Hello and welcome to the zero to finals podcast. My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be

talking to you about mycoplasma genitalium. And you can find written notes on this topic at

zero to finals.com slash mycoplasma genitalium or in the genitoneurinary medicine section of the zero definers, obstetrics

and gynecology book. So let's get straight into it. Mycoplasma genitalium, or MG, is a bacteria that causes

non-gonococcal urethritis. It's a sexually transmitted infection.

There are developing problems with mycoplasma genitalium antibiotic resistance, particularly

to azithromycin. Most cases of MG do not cause symptoms.

The presentation is very similar to chlamydia and patients may be infected with both chlamydia and mycoplasma genitalium.

Urethritis is a key feature.

MG infection may lead to urethritis with inflammation of the urethra, epididymitis with inflammation of the epididymis,

cervacitis with inflammation of the cervix, endometritis with inflammation of the endometrium,

pelvic inflammatory disease,

reactive arthritis,

preterm delivery in pregnancy,

and tubal infatility,

where infertility is caused by obstruction in the fallopian tubes.

Let's talk about the investigations.

Traditional cultures are not helpful in isolating MG as it's a very slow growing organism. Therefore testing involves nucleic acid amplification

tests or NAT to look specifically for the DNA or RNA of the bacteria.

The samples recommended by the Bash guidelines from 2018 are a first catch urine sample in the

morning for men or vaginal swabs which can be self-taken for women.

The guideline recommends checking every positive sample for macrolide resistance

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