Mycoplasma hominis is a type of bacterium belonging to the Mycoplasma genus, which is unique among bacteria because it lacks a cell wall. This absence distinguishes it from many other bacteria and affects how it interacts with its environment and certain treatments. Mycoplasma hominis is often found in the urogenital tract of both men and women. It can reside there as part of the normal bacterial population, yet it also has the potential to act as an opportunistic pathogen.
How It Spreads
Mycoplasma hominis primarily spreads through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. This bacterium can also transmit vertically from a mother to her infant during childbirth, particularly during vaginal delivery. Unlike many common infections, Mycoplasma hominis is not typically spread through casual contact, such as sharing toilets, towels, or other everyday objects.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Many individuals carrying Mycoplasma hominis remain asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they can be non-specific and sometimes mistaken for other infections. In women, common manifestations can include unusual vaginal discharge, a burning sensation or pain during urination, and discomfort in the pelvic area, which might indicate conditions like vaginitis or cervicitis. Men who become symptomatic may experience penile discharge, a burning sensation during urination, or general urethral discomfort. Since the symptoms can overlap with other sexually transmitted infections, accurate diagnosis requires specific testing.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Mycoplasma hominis infection often involves specialized laboratory techniques due to the bacterium’s unique characteristics. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are frequently used to detect the bacterium’s genetic material from samples like urine, vaginal swabs, urethral swabs, or semen. While culture methods can also be employed, Mycoplasma hominis is fastidious and challenging to grow in a laboratory setting, making molecular tests more sensitive for detection.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for symptomatic Mycoplasma hominis infections typically involves specific antibiotics. Since Mycoplasma hominis lacks a cell wall, it is naturally resistant to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis. Instead, antibiotics like tetracyclines are often effective. Macrolides or fluoroquinolones may also be considered. However, antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern, with varying rates of resistance. Susceptibility testing is important to guide treatment decisions, especially in cases of suspected resistance.
Potential Health Impacts
If Mycoplasma hominis infection is left untreated or occurs in specific populations, it can lead to various health complications. In women, it is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain and increase the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The bacterium has also been linked to cervicitis and urethritis.
During pregnancy, Mycoplasma hominis has been associated with adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, miscarriage, and chorioamnionitis. For newborns, vertical transmission can result in infections such as pneumonia and meningitis. In men, Mycoplasma hominis may play a role in male infertility by potentially affecting sperm quality and motility. Immunocompromised individuals may also face a higher risk of more severe or disseminated infections.