Genital mycoplasma infections

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Urology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Over 13 Mycoplasma, 2 Acholeplasma, and 1 Ureaplasma species are found in humans.
• Some species primarily colonize the oropharynx/respiratory tract but can be found in the urogenital tract via orogenital contact.
• Mycoplasma hominis is associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the etiological roles of various Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species in human urogenital tract infections.
• To highlight the advancements in understanding Mycoplasma genitalium's role in non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU).
• To assess the evidence for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma involvement in conditions like PID, miscarriage, and arthritis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma infections.
• Analysis of etiological associations between specific species and clinical conditions.
• Consideration of diagnostic advancements, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in understanding pathogen roles.

Main Results:

• Mycoplasma hominis is strongly linked to bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• Ureaplasma urealyticum is implicated in acute and chronic non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men.
• Mycoplasma genitalium is a significant cause of NGU, independent of Chlamydia trachomatis, and may play a role in PID.
• Ureaplasmas can cause septic arthritis in hypogammaglobulinaemic patients and reactive arthritis.

Conclusions:

• Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species are significant contributors to urogenital tract infections.
• Mycoplasma genitalium is a key pathogen in NGU, necessitating further research into its role in PID.
• The role of Ureaplasma urealyticum in miscarriage and preterm labor requires further clarification.
• While other Mycoplasma species have the potential to cause disease, current evidence is limited.