Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
09:03
Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis
Published on: October 23, 2013
Mycoplasma genitalium in chronic non-gonococcal urethritis
D Taylor-Robinson1, C B Gilroy, B J Thomas
1Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, UK.
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|February 11, 2004
Summary
Mycoplasma genitalium is a common cause of persistent non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men. While erythromycin shows initial efficacy, relapses suggest potential antibiotic resistance and intermittent infection patterns.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chronic urethritis affects numerous men, often persisting despite treatment.
- Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) remains a diagnostic challenge.
- Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging pathogen in urogenital infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in men with persistent or recurrent NGU.
- To evaluate the clinical and microbiological response to erythromycin treatment for M. genitalium-positive NGU.
- To describe a case of concurrent Chlamydia trachomatis and M. genitalium infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 78 men with chronic urethritis.
- Microbiological testing for M. genitalium and C. trachomatis in 52 men with NGU.
- Treatment of M. genitalium-positive patients with erythromycin (500 mg QID for 4-6 weeks).
- Clinical and microbiological follow-up for approximately one year.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma genitalium was detected in 21% of men with persistent/recurrent NGU.
- Erythromycin treatment achieved initial clinical and microbiological success in 82% of M. genitalium-positive cases.
- Six patients relapsed after initial treatment, with M. genitalium no longer detectable.
- One case of concurrent chlamydial and mycoplasmal infection demonstrated intermittent M. genitalium persistence.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma genitalium is a significant contributor to persistent NGU.
- Erythromycin therapy for M. genitalium NGU has a high initial success rate but is associated with relapses.
- Relapses may indicate antibiotic resistance or intermittent shedding of M. genitalium.
- Concurrent infections and intermittent shedding complicate diagnosis and treatment of NGU.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
01:29Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
The phylum Chlamydiae or Chlamydiota is composed of a single order, Chlamydiales. This phylum consists entirely of obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic hosts. While human pathogens within this group have been studied extensively, the phylum encompasses many species capable of interacting with various eukaryotic organisms. Members of Chlamydiae are typically small cocci, approximately 0.5 μm in diameter, and exhibit a distinctive developmental cycle. As is characteristic of...
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
01:18Trichomoniasis
Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.