Comparative analysis of diagnostic kits for detecting Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis in genital and urinary samples

Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis are bacteria that commonly colonize the human urogenital tract but may also contribute to diverse genital and obstetrical infections. Their frequent detection in asymptomatic individuals complicates diagnostic interpretation, underscoring the need for reliable methods that enable species identification, semi-quantification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). This study compared two updated commercial assays, Mycoplasma IST 3® (bioMérieux) and MYCOFAST® RevolutioN 2 (Elitech), against an in-house reference method (UZ Brussel). A total of 111 clinical specimens, including urine, genital swabs, and semen, were prospectively analysed. The IST 3® kit demonstrated a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 95%, whereas MYCOFAST® achieved 75% and 96%, respectively. Both systems provided semi-quantification and AST, capabilities absent from the reference method. Most isolates were susceptible to the tested antimicrobials, with only three resistant strains identified (tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones). In addition to analytical performance, the IST 3® kit offered advantages in workflow integration, supporting its selection for routine implementation. A two-step diagnostic algorithm, consisting of initial chromogenic broth screening followed by confirmatory identification and AST with IST 3®, is proposed to optimize clinical management. Continued evaluation across additional specimen types and surveillance of resistance patterns remain warranted.