Mycoplasma genitalium: An Emerging Sexually Transmitted Infection

Abstract

Mycoplasma genitaliumhas been recognized as a cause of male urethritis, and there is now evidence suggesting that it causes cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women.M. genitaliumis a slow growing organism, and, with the advent of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), more studies are being performed, and knowledge about the pathogenicity of this organism elucidated. With NAAT detection, treatment modalities have been studied, and the next challenge is to determine the most effective antimicrobial therapy. Doxycycline, the first-line antibiotic for urethritis, is largely ineffective in the treatment ofM. genitaliumand furthermore, resistance to macrolide has also emerged. The most effective drug is Moxifloxacin although there are emerging reports of resistance to it in various parts of the world. This paper not only highlights the current research and knowledge, but also reviews the diversity of health implications on the health of men and women infected withM. genitalium. Alternate antibiotics and the impact ofM. genitaliumon infertility are areas that require more studies as we continue to research into this microorganism.