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Prevalence of Urogenital Mycoplasma genitalium Infection at 2 US Army Medical Facilities
Matthew L Romo, Sarah C Moreland, Adam M Yates
1Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty, NC.
Background:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a high incidence in the US Armed Forces and can adversely impact service members' ability to perform their duties. Better knowledge of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) epidemiology in the military is needed to understand the potential impact of this emerging pathogen on force readiness.
Methods:
We conducted cross-sectional analyses of data from US Army service members and other Military Health System beneficiaries participating in a trial of an STI/HIV behavioral intervention at Fort Liberty, NC, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. At enrollment, participants completed questionnaires and provided biological specimens for nucleic acid amplification testing for MG, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). We used principal component analysis and robust Poisson regression to examine associations between participant characteristics and prevalent urogenital MG.
Results:
Among 432 participants enrolled between November 2020 and February 2023, 43 had MG (prevalence, 10.0%), of whom 13 had coinfection with another bacterial STI (all 13 were positive for CT, with 1 also positive for NG). The prevalence of MG was significantly higher among female (13.5%) versus male (7.6%; P = 0.048) participants and non-Hispanic Black (14.9%) versus non-Hispanic White participants (6.6%; P = 0.045). Single relationship status and increased number of recent sexual partners were correlated, and their component was associated with higher MG prevalence (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.48).
Conclusions:
The high prevalence of urogenital MG among Military Health System beneficiaries highlights the importance of understanding the potential clinical sequelae of MG and conducting additional epidemiologic research in military settings.
Insights
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) affects 10% of military personnel, with higher prevalence in females and non-Hispanic Black individuals. This emerging STI impacts force readiness and requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Military Health
Background:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent in the US Armed Forces, potentially affecting duty performance.
- Understanding the epidemiology of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is crucial for assessing its impact on military readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in US military personnel.
- To identify risk factors associated with MG infection within this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of data from US Army service members and Military Health System beneficiaries.
- Nucleic acid amplification testing for MG, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG).
- Principal component analysis and robust Poisson regression to assess associations with participant characteristics.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of urogenital MG was 10.0% among 432 participants.
- MG prevalence was higher in females (13.5%) and non-Hispanic Black (14.9%) participants.
- Single relationship status and higher numbers of recent sexual partners were associated with increased MG prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The significant prevalence of MG in military beneficiaries underscores the need for further research.
- Understanding clinical outcomes and conducting more epidemiologic studies in military settings are essential.
