Testing for Mycoplasma genitalium in pelvic inflammatory disease: A clinical audit

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious condition with potential long-term sequelae.
• Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is an emerging pathogen implicated in PID.
• Current clinical guidelines and testing practices for MG in PID patients require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the rate of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) testing in women diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• To evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment for MG in this patient cohort.
• To identify opportunities for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MG in PID.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records of women diagnosed with PID at Gold Coast health hospital sites.
• Review of diagnostic testing performed for Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG).
• Assessment of antibiotic prescriptions in relation to potential MG infection.

Main Results:

• Only 11.4% of 299 women with PID were tested for MG.
• In contrast, 74.2% were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG).
• A mere 9% of women received antibiotic treatment effective against macrolide-sensitive MG.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant gap in Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) testing and appropriate treatment for women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Increased clinician education and awareness regarding MG are crucial.
• Implementation of reflex macrolide testing for MG can improve treatment efficacy and prevent PID complications.