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Mycoplasma penetrans urethritis in men. A case-control study

Luis Piñeiro1, Pedro Idigoras1, Ayla Manzanal1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Donostia University Hospital, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, OSI Donostialdea, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastián, Spain.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 3, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma penetrans is linked to unexplained urethritis in men, particularly among men who have sex with men. Detecting this emerging pathogen can improve diagnosis for non-gonococcal urethritis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Urology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Many urethritis cases lack a definitive microbiological diagnosis.
  • Mycoplasma penetrans is an emerging pathogen implicated in urethritis, especially in men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Mycoplasma penetrans and idiopathic urethritis in men.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of detecting M. penetrans in unexplained urethritis cases.

Main Methods:

  • Urethral samples from men were analyzed for M. penetrans using in-house real-time PCR.
  • Comparison between 55 cases of idiopathic urethritis and control groups (102 with identified urethritis, 91 healthy controls).
  • Standard techniques (gram stain, culture, PCR, serology) were used for other STIs.

Main Results:

  • M. penetrans DNA was detected in 12.7% of idiopathic urethritis cases.
  • No M. penetrans was found in any control group (p < 0.001).
  • M. penetrans-positive individuals were not HIV-infected; six were MSM.

Conclusions:

  • Results indicate a significant association between M. penetrans infection and urethritis in men.
  • Detecting M. penetrans could help diagnose cases of idiopathic urethritis.
  • This finding may improve diagnostic yield in non-gonococcal urethritis.
Keywords:
Mycoplasma penetransemerging pathogenidiopathic urethritismensexually transmitted infection

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