Mycoplasma genitalium as a sexually transmitted infection: Implications for screening, testing, and treatment

Abstract

The evidence that Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted pathogen is virtually incontrovertible based on both the concordance rates among partners and on DNA typing showing the same sequence type among partners in contrast to unrelated M genitalium positive patients. The implications that this has for the screening, testing, and treatment of patients is less certain however. Which tests are the most sensitive and specific, what samples are most appropriate, who should be tested, what treatment is best and how should partners be managed?