Molecular Diagnostics Update for the Emerging (If Not Already Widespread) Sexually Transmitted Infection Agent Mycoplasma genitalium: Just About Ready for Prime Time

摘要

In 1981, the first report of recovery and identification of Mycoplasma genitalium, the smallest free-living microorganism capable of reproduction, was published (1). However, the fastidious nature of this intracellular bacterium significantly limits its ability to be cultivated in an in vitro setting (2). Attempts at serologic diagnosis have been confounded by antigenic variation of M. genitalium (3) and immunogenic analogs observed in other Mollicutes, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae (4). These paradigms are unfortunate because of the long-standing association of M. genitalium with nongonococcal and nonchlamydial urethritis in males (2) and an emerging collection of literature implicating the organism in cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm birth, and spontaneous abortion (5). Other investigators have reported promotion of HIV acquisition (6) and shedding (7) by antecedent M. genitalium infection.