STI Synopsis
Mycoplasma Gentialium
MGEN IS REGARDED AS AN EMERGING THREAt TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH GIVEN THE RAPID APPEARANCE OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANT STRAINS.
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium that can infect reproductive organs and can cause other STIs. Often called Mgen, it can also infect the rectum. Among women, Mgen has been associated with cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, and infertility. New research shows that risk for HIV infection is increased among women with Mgen. Infections do not typically cause symptoms, but if they do appear, they are primarily nonspecific and often mistaken for other STIs including chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Vaccines
There is no preventive vaccine for Mgen. In silico studies suggest that it may be possible to design a cost-effective vaccine quickly, but further experimental studies are needed.
Testing
Mycoplasma genitalium is difficult and time-consuming to culture as it can take weeks to months to achieve results. Historically, this has resulted in low rates of testing for Mgen, but current molecular tests have become the gold standard for detecting Mgen. Because macrolide-resistant strains of Mgen are common, it is recommended that all positive Mgen assays be reflexed to test for resistance.
Currently PCR-based and TMA-based molecular tests are commercially available for Mgen along with POC and near POC platforms. Additionally, assays to detect Mgen antibiotic resistance are commercially available.
82.4 million new cases each year.
Mgen cause serious health problems, particularly for women. In men, Mgen is often asymptomatic or confused for another STI.
Mgen can be cured with antibiotics although drug-resistant strains of Mgen are on the rise.
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Waites, K. B., Crabb, D. M., Ratliff, A. E., Geisler, W. M., Atkinson, T. P., & Xiao, L. (2023). Latest Advances in Laboratory Detection of Mycoplasma genitalium. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 61(3), e0079021.