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Genital mycoplasmas, including Mycoplasma genitalium, as sexually transmitted agents
1Clinic of Dermatovenereology, University of Tartu, Estonia. annskla@ut.ee
Abstract:
Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living organisms, widespread in nature. Several mycoplasma species have been isolated from humans. For 6 of them: Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, M. primatum, M. genitalium, M. spermatophilum and M. penetrans, the genital tract is the main site of colonization. This review is concentrated on the role of mycoplasmas as sexually transmitted agents, with the emphasis to M. genitalium infections. M. hominis and U. urealyticum are isolated from the genital tract of healthy men and women with considerable frequency. The biological features (attachment properties, possible intracellular location) and experimental inoculation studies of M. genitalium indicate that this mycoplasma has pathogenic potential. Data from case-control studies, looking at men with non-gonococcal urethritis and women with cervicitis, have revealed that M. genitalium behave similarly to Chlamydia trachomatis and have revealed that carriage of M. genitalium and C. trachomatis is usually independent of one another. M. genitalium could be considered as a potential cause of sexually transmitted urethritis in men, including men with persistent or recurrent urethritis. More studies are expected to ascertain the role of M. genitalium in the female genital tract. Evidence-based data are needed to decide whether current non-gonococcal infection treatment principles are applicable or not for M. genitalium infections.
Insights
Mycoplasmas, including Mycoplasma genitalium, are common in the genital tract and may be sexually transmitted. Mycoplasma genitalium shows pathogenic potential and could cause urethritis in men.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
Background:
- Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living organisms, with several species colonizing the human genital tract.
- Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum are frequently isolated from healthy individuals.
- Mycoplasma genitalium, M. primatum, M. spermatophilum, and M. penetrans also colonize the genital tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of mycoplasmas as sexually transmitted agents.
- To focus on the pathogenic potential and implications of Mycoplasma genitalium infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of biological features and experimental inoculation studies of Mycoplasma genitalium.
- Analysis of case-control studies on non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma genitalium exhibits pathogenic potential, indicated by attachment properties and experimental studies.
- Case-control studies suggest Mycoplasma genitalium is a cause of urethritis in men, similar to Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Co-infection with Mycoplasma genitalium and Chlamydia trachomatis appears independent.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma genitalium is a potential cause of sexually transmitted urethritis in men, including persistent cases.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of Mycoplasma genitalium in female genital tract infections.
- Evidence-based data are required to determine appropriate treatment strategies for Mycoplasma genitalium infections.