The Bacterium
The extremely little genome of Mycoplasma genitalium (< 600 Kbp) and extremely biosynthetic reduced abilities explain the parasitic life of these myco-organisms.
Clinical manifestations
The Mycoplasma genitalium was isolated for the first time in 1980 from two men’s urethral secret with nongonococal urethritis (NGU). Some cases of complications, such as arthritis and prostatitis are written in literature.
The presence of the M. genitalium in women’s inferior genital apparatus is an indication for (i) the sexual transmission to men and (ii) the possible risk for increasing infections in women. In a London STD (sexually transmitted disease) clinic, it was contemporary executed to 57 women a cervical, vaginal and urethral smear and the M. genitalium was respectively rescontred in 17.5%, 16% and 24%. The question if M. genitalium is involved in PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) is still in discussion.
Epidemiology
Mycoplasma genitalium was isolated for the first time in 1980 from two men’s urethral secret with nongonococal urethritis (NGU). An indication for M. genitalium’s involvement in chronic NGU is, according to different studie, the highlight of the bacterium in the 23-25% of patients respect to the 6-9% of the checked population.
The presence of M. genitalium in women’s inferior genital apparatus is an indication for (i) the sexual transmission to men and (ii) the possible risk for increasing infections in women. In a London STD (sexually transmitted disease) clinic, it was contemporary executed to 57 women a cervical, vaginal and urethral smear and the M. genitalium was respectively rescontred in 17.5%, 16% and 24%. The question if M. genitalium is involved in PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) is still in discussion.
Test
The highlight through culture is extremely difficult. Serological methods are not specific, because the bacterium produces crossed reactions with Microplasma pneumonia. The highlight of M. genitalium by means of PCR is a very sensible (10 bacterium) and specific (quite the 100%) method.
Sample taking
Uro-genital’s smear, ejaculated, biopsy. The PCR for M. genitalium can be done from performed sample taking for the highlight of infective agents of STD (C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, etc.).
