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Rectal Mycoplasma genitalium in Patients Attending Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics in China: An Infection That
Yan Han1,2, Yue-Ping Yin1,2, Jing-Wei Liu1,2
1Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Previous studies have investigated rectal Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in men who have sex with men (MSM), while little is known about the prevalence of rectal MG infection in individuals attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in China. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of rectal MG infection in this population and identified the potential risk factors for rectal MG infection.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals attending STD clinics located in China from June 2018 to August 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of different risk factors for rectal MG infection.
Results:
A total of 1,382 patients were included in the final analyses. A total of 30 of 1377 rectal swabs (2.2%) and 77 of 1374 urogenital samples (5.6%) were positive for MG. In Guangxi, 18 of 47 patients (38.3%) infected with urogenital MG and 5 of 19 patients (26.3%) infected with rectal MG received the recommended treatment. Factors found to be significantly associated with rectal MG infection included: male (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.232, [95% CI: 0.072-0.745]) compared to female, homosexual or bisexual (AOR 40.427, [95% CI: 3.880-421.196]) compared to heterosexual, and those infected with urogenital MG (AOR 7.215, [95% CI: 2.898-17.965]) compared to those who did not get infected with urogenital MG.
Conclusion:
Rectal MG infection should be thought of not only in MSM population but also in STD clinic patients, especially females who have urogenital MG infection. Appropriate strategy for rectal MG screening and treatment needs to be developed for these patients in China.
Insights
Rectal Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infection was found in 2.2% of STD clinic patients in China, with higher prevalence in men and those with urogenital MG. Screening should extend beyond men who have sex with men (MSM).
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on rectal Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) prevalence in Chinese STD clinic attendees.
- Previous research focused primarily on men who have sex with men (MSM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rectal MG infection in individuals attending STD clinics in China.
- To identify risk factors associated with rectal MG infection in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2018 to August 2020 in Chinese STD clinics.
- Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- Rectal MG was detected in 2.2% of rectal swabs and urogenital MG in 5.6% of urogenital samples.
- Significant risk factors for rectal MG included being male, homosexual/bisexual orientation, and co-infection with urogenital MG.
- Treatment rates for urogenital and rectal MG were low in Guangxi.
Conclusions:
- Rectal MG infection should be considered in all STD clinic patients, not just MSM.
- Females with urogenital MG infection are a key group for consideration.
- Development of targeted screening and treatment strategies for rectal MG in China is necessary.
