Prevalence ofMycoplasma genitaliumin different population groups: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundMycoplasma genitaliumis a common cause of non-gonococcal non-chlamydial urethritis and cervicitis. Testing of asymptomatic populations has been proposed, but prevalence rates in asymptomatic populations are not well established. We aimed to estimate the prevalence ofM. genitaliumin adults in the general population, in clinic-based samples, pregnant women, men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSW).MethodsWe searched Embase, Medline, IndMED, AIM and LILACS from 1 January 1991 to 12 July 2016 without language restrictions. We included studies with 500 participants or more. We screened and selected studies and extracted data in duplicate. We examined eligible studies in forest plots and conducted random effects meta-analysis to estimate prevalence, if appropriate. Between study heterogeneity was examined using the I2statistic and meta-regression.ResultsOf 3,316 screened records, 63 were included. In randomly selected samples from the general population, the summary prevalence estimate was 1.3% (95% confidence intervals, CI 1.0 to 1.8%, I241.5%, 3 studies) in countries with higher levels of development and 3.9% (95% CI 2.2 to 6.7, I289.2%, 3 studies) in countries with lower levels. Prevalence estimates were similar in women and men (p=0.47). In clinic-based samples prevalence estimates were higher, except in asymptomatic patients (0.8%, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.4, I20.0%, 3 studies). Summary prevalence estimates were: pregnant women 0.9% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.4%, I20%, 4 studies); MSM in the community 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 5.1, I278.3%, 5 studies); FSW in the community 15.9% (95% CI 13.5 to 18.9, I2=79.9%, 4 studies).DiscussionThis systematic review can inform testing guidelines forM. genitaliuminfection. The low estimated prevalence ofM. genitaliumin the general population, pregnant women and asymptomatic attenders at clinics does not support expansion of testing to asymptomatic people in these groups.Registration NumbersPROSPERO: CRD42015020420