Mgen testing identifies Mycoplasma genitalium, a bacterial organism that can cause sexually transmitted infections. This diagnostic procedure helps healthcare providers detect this pathogen. Accurate identification of Mgen is important for public health, aiding patient management and preventing community transmission.
Understanding Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is a small bacterium causing urinary and genital tract infections. First identified in 1981, it is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal and anal sex. Oral sex transmission is also possible.
Many individuals infected with Mgen may not experience any noticeable symptoms, which can make detection challenging. When symptoms do occur, they often resemble those of other common sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea. In men, Mgen can cause urethritis, leading to symptoms such as painful urination, discharge from the penis, or pain in the testicles.
For women, Mgen infection can manifest as vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sexual intercourse. It can also lead to cervicitis, which is inflammation of the cervix, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If left untreated, Mgen can contribute to more serious health issues, including infertility in women and epididymo-orchitis in men.
When Mgen Testing is Recommended
Routine screening for Mgen in the general population is not typically recommended. Instead, testing is usually advised for specific clinical situations or among individuals with particular risk factors. Healthcare providers often consider Mgen testing for people experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of the infection.
This includes men who present with non-gonococcal urethritis, a common inflammation of the urethra not caused by gonorrhea. Women diagnosed with cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease are also often candidates for Mgen testing. Testing is particularly relevant if initial treatment for these conditions, or for suspected chlamydia or gonorrhea, has not been effective.
Mgen testing is recommended for current sexual partners of individuals who have been diagnosed with an Mgen infection. This helps prevent reinfection and limits further spread. Individuals with new or multiple sexual partners, or inconsistent condom use, may also be advised to consider testing.
The Mgen Testing Process
Mgen testing primarily relies on Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs). These tests detect the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of Mycoplasma genitalium. NAATs are effective because Mgen is slow-growing and difficult to culture traditionally.
Sample collection for Mgen testing is typically straightforward and non-invasive. For men, a first-void urine sample is commonly used, which involves collecting the initial portion of urine passed. For women, samples can be collected via vaginal swabs, which may be self-collected or taken by a healthcare provider. Endocervical swabs are another option for female patients.
Urethral swabs may also be collected from men, and rectal swabs can be used if there are symptoms affecting the rectum. Specific collection kits are often required for NAAT analysis. Once collected, samples are sent to a laboratory for genetic material extraction and amplification.
Interpreting Mgen Test Results and Follow-Up
A positive Mgen test confirms an active infection, necessitating specific antibiotic treatment. Conversely, a negative result suggests the absence of the infection, though timing of exposure and symptom onset should be considered.
Treatment for Mgen typically involves antibiotics, but managing the infection can be complicated by antibiotic resistance. Mgen has shown increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics, particularly macrolides like azithromycin. Therefore, healthcare providers may conduct additional testing to identify specific resistance mutations to guide the most effective treatment choice.
Following antibiotic treatment, a “test of cure” (TOC) is often recommended to confirm that the infection has been successfully eradicated. This retesting is usually performed two to three weeks after completing the antibiotic course to ensure accuracy. Partner notification and subsequent treatment are also important steps to prevent reinfection and further transmission within sexual networks.