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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
06:01
Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
Mycoplasma genitalium -- an up-date.
1Department of Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|February 28, 2002
Summary
Mycoplasma genitalium is a cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men and is linked to cervicitis, endometritis, and infertility in women. Azithromycin is the recommended treatment for associated diseases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Mycoplasma genitalium was first identified over 20 years ago in men with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU).
- Advances in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology have facilitated a deeper understanding of M. genitalium's role in various human diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on Mycoplasma genitalium's association with urogenital infections and other conditions.
- To discuss the implications of M. genitalium infections and their treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating Mycoplasma genitalium.
- Analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) data linking M. genitalium to specific clinical conditions.
Main Results:
- M. genitalium is a significant cause of acute and likely chronic NGU in men, largely independent of Chlamydia trachomatis.
- In women, M. genitalium is strongly associated with cervicitis and endometritis, and serologically with salpingitis and tubal factor infertility.
- Evidence does not substantially support M. genitalium causing prostatitis, but further research may link it to epididymoorchitis, neonatal disease, and reactive arthritis.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma genitalium is an important pathogen with diverse clinical manifestations in both men and women.
- Azithromycin is suggested as the primary treatment for M. genitalium-associated diseases, despite the organism's susceptibility to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Further research is warranted to explore M. genitalium's role in neonatal disease, reactive arthritis, and its potential impact on HIV transmission.
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