Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen) - An Underestimated STD
Mycoplasma Genitalium (MGen), a sexually transmitted infection, which has been lately put more into the spotlight, can be more than what the general public actually thinks it is. New emerging research findings tend to show that this infection is indeed common among sexually active populations.
07 October 2024
5 min read
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MGen Prevalence: Higher Than Gonorrhea
Research has brought to the fore that MGen infects more than 1% of the population between the ages of 16 and 44 years in the UK, which amounts to 250,000 people. Studies carried out in the U.S. indicate that a similar proportion of the population is infected with the MGen bug. According to the CDC, MGen is more rampant than gonorrhea.
MGen is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. Sexual contact includes rubbing or touching during which the vaginal area of one partner comes into contact with the other, without actual full vaginal intercourse, resulting in the acquisition of MGen infection. MGen was identified in the 1980s. Recently, it has been reported that this STD might be more prevalent than previously thought and that over 1 in 100 adults may be infected.
Question: Is MGen a New STD?
Although MGen is termed a 'new' STD, it was first identified in the 1980s. When first identified, there were no available testing methods that would allow for full analysis of MGen. It was not until the mid-90s that researchers confirmed the link between MGen and sexual transmission. Early investigation indicated that many people testing positive for MGen shared sexual contacts with others who were also infected. Further studies began to establish the sexually transmitted nature of MGen, especially in view of the fact that its prevalence is substantially higher among those with multiple new sexual partners in the last year compared to those who reported being monogamous. Infection with MGen did not occur among participants who had never had vaginal sex.
Recognizing the Symptoms of MGen
An infection with MGen does not always have symptoms and it is possible to have an infection and not know it.
Symptoms in Men
Burning, stinging, or pain while urinating
Discharge of water-like fluid from the penis
Painful ejaculation or pain during sex
Frequent urge for urination
Symptoms in Women
Painful intercourse
Discharge from the vagina
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Bleeding between periods
Pelvic discomfort
The symptomatology in females is similar to chlamydia, manifestations include fever, discharge, pelvic pain, and heavy discharge between periods.
Diagnosing MGen
There is no specific FDA-cleared test for detecting MGen infection, but in case of suspicion, one may perform a NAAT. First-void urine sample, that is, the first stream of the urine where MGen is most detectable, needs to be collected to perform NAAT. Swab samples from the cervix, vagina, or urethra may also be collected.
MGen infection may result in several health complications:
Urethritis: This is a condition where the urethra experiences itchiness, swelling, and inflammation.
PID: It is the short form for pelvic infection; it is an infection of the female reproductive system.
Cervicitis: This involves inflammation of the cervix.
Treatment of MGen
MGen infection can be treated with an antibiotic; Azithromycin is regarded as a first-line treatment followed by Moxifloxacin when necessary. However, MGen is associated with an antibiotic resistance issue, and thus people are supposed to be aware of the STI. In case symptoms persist after the treatment, then further intervention is highly needed.
Complications after MGen and its Prevention
There is an emerging association of MGen with other prevalent STDs, such as cervicitis and PID. Pelvic inflammatory disease can be a complication of the sexually transmitted MGen if left untreated. It may further cause infertility due to possible damage to the female reproductive system. Further studies are required to establish whether MGen actually causes PID or that it is an opportunistic co-infection.
Although there is no FDA-approved specific MGen test, testing for MGen should be considered, especially for those patients presenting with persistent symptoms after treatment for other STDs that produce symptomatology similar to MGen infection. The better understanding of the prevalence of MGen makes periodic screening important, especially among individuals who have had multiple sexual partners over a period.
Prevention of MGen Infection
The most effective way of preventing MGen is by the use of condoms, which significantly reduces one's chances of contracting the disease. Condoms are quite effective against MGen since the bacterium is present in penile and vaginal discharges. If one, however has been infected, he/she should not have sexual intercourse until at least seven days after treatment commencement to prevent the transmission of the disease to his/her partner.
Risk of Untreated MGen
If MGen is left untreated, serious complications may arise in both men and women, including the most serious, an extreme weakening of the immune system, thus predisposing individuals to other infections. Apart from that, MGen predisposes the patient to chlamydia, which may cause ectopic pregnancies, raising the risk of infertility while the infection is active. Infection of internal organs by MGen can also occur if it is left unchecked.
MGen: The New Superbug?
UK health officials say that MGen may become resistant to antibiotics in a few years. Misdiagnosis and wrong treatment can make MGen into a 'superbug'. Because symptoms are similar to gonorrhea or chlamydia, it is often misdiagnosed, and for the same reason, the least known status of MGen makes it a silent but serious threat to public health.
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