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Genital mycoplasmas, including Mycoplasma genitalium, as sexually transmitted agents

Anneli Uusküla1, Peter K Kohl

  • 1Clinic of Dermatovenereology, University of Tartu, Estonia. annskla@ut.ee

International Journal of STD & AIDS
|February 13, 2002
PubMed

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.

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