Detection of resistance to macrolides and fluoroquinolones in Mycoplasma genitalium by targeted next-generation sequencing

Abstract

The mechanisms of drug resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium are complex and involve several genetic loci. The molecular methods for accurately characterizing resistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides in this organism are often not available or approved for patient use and do not cover all genetic determinants. To this end, we propose a next-generation sequencing-based method with a turnaround time of 3 days that includes the investigation of all drug resistance loci of M. genitalium . Following adaptation, validation, and verification for routine clinical use, assays based on this method may yield molecular results that can be used to guide proper treatment regimens and for surveillance of drug resistance in the general population.