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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
[Molecular detection of Mycoplasma genitalium in men and pregnant women]
Walter Gübelin Harcha1, M Angélica Martínez T, Pablo Céspedes P
1Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Clínico, Universidad de Chile. wgubelin@ctcinternet.cl
Abstract:
Mycoplasma genitalium is an opportunistic pathogen of the genital tract. It has been implicated as an etiological agent of urethritis in men and cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in male urethritis and in vaginal specimens of pregnant women. Urethral specimens obtained from 37 men presenting with urethritis and vaginal specimens from 50 consecutive pregnant women were tested for the presence of M. genitalium by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The urethral specimens were also examined for the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma sp whereas the vaginal microbiota and the presence of genital mycoplasma were investigated in the vaginal specimens. Twenty three cases were classified as nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) and 14 as gonorrheal disease. M. genitalium was detected in 3 of 23 (13.04%) men with NGU; in two cases with Ureaplasma sp, and in one patient as the unique agent. C. trachomatis was found in 7 patients with NGU and in one patient with gonorrhea. Ureaplasma sp was isolated in 13 (35.1%) patients, 8 cases of NGU and in 5 patients with gonorrhea. The organism was also detected in 6 (15%) of 40 women; in 5 cases in the presence of a normal microbiota (Nugent score 0-3), and an in one case in the presence of bacterial vaginosis. Ureaplasma spp was isolated in the 6 positive specimens. This study indicates that M. genitalium can be detected in urethral specimens of some cases of NGU as well as in the lower genital tract of pregnant women in the presence of a normal vaginal microbiota.
Insights
Mycoplasma genitalium was detected in 13.04% of men with nongonococcal urethritis and 15% of pregnant women. This opportunistic pathogen affects the genital tract in both sexes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genitourinary Medicine
Context:
- Mycoplasma genitalium is an opportunistic pathogen linked to male urethritis and female cervicitis/pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Limited data exists on its prevalence in specific populations like men with urethritis and pregnant women.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in male urethritis and vaginal specimens of pregnant women.
- To investigate co-infections with other common urogenital pathogens.
Summary:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected Mycoplasma genitalium in 13.04% of men with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) and 15% of pregnant women.
- In men, M. genitalium was found alongside Ureaplasma sp. or as a sole agent in NGU cases.
- In pregnant women, M. genitalium was detected in both normal vaginal microbiota and bacterial vaginosis cases, often with Ureaplasma spp.
Impact:
- Highlights the role of M. genitalium in NGU and its presence in pregnant women's lower genital tract.
- Suggests the need for considering M. genitalium in differential diagnoses for urethritis and in pregnant women.
- Provides epidemiological data on M. genitalium prevalence in these distinct populations.
