Prevalence and incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this review is to determine the prevalence and incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium. Introduction: Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted pathogen that can cause reproductive health issues in both men and women. Recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved testing has improved the capability to more readily diagnose and treat this infection. Determining the incidence and prevalence of this sexually transmitted infection is imperative to better understand the epidemiologic implications, and long-term consequences of this disease process. Inclusion criteria: Studies on males and females of any age, race, or cultural background will be included. Studies conducted in any setting or geographical location that report on prevalence or incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium diagnosed by the FDA-approved Aptima Mycoplasma genitalium assay will be included. Methods: The proposed systematic review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence and incidence, and in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase, Web of Science, and Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network (GIDEON) databases will be searched with no date limits. Prevalence and incidence data, experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, and descriptive studies will be included and critically appraised by 2 independent reviewers. Data will be extracted using standardized JBI data extraction tools. If sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted; otherwise, the findings will be presented in narrative format, including tables and figures, to aid in data presentation, where appropriate. Review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023415457