Molecular epidemiologic study of Mycoplasma genitalium infection in high risk populations of sexually transmitted diseases in China

Objective To detect Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) infection in high risk popul ations of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from several cities in China and to clarify the possible role of Mg in the pathogenesis of non-gonococc al urethritis. Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on 2 pairs of primers, one fo r Mg-Pa (adhesion protein) and the other for 16S-rRNA (Mycoplasma general w as used to detect Mg infection. Urogenital specimens of different high risk populations and urethritis patients, were collected from the Guangdong, Ku nming, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Changzhou areas. Results The positive detection rate of Mg-DNA in high risk populations of S TDs was significantly higher than that of the control group (chi (2) = 7.82 , P< 0.01). The positive detection rates in Guangdong STD clinics and promi scuous persons from Kunming were higher than those from the Shanghai, Nanji ng, and Changzhou areas (<chi>(2) = 8.54, P < 0.01 and <chi>(2) = 5.89, P<0 .05). Mg DNA could be detected in those patients without other relevant pat hogens. Some patients were simultaneously infected with Mg and other microb es, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and/ or Ureaplasma urelyticum. The positi ve Mg-DNA detection rate in patients with urethritis symptoms was higher th an in patients without the symptoms (<chi>(2) = 11.68, P<0.01). Conclusion Mg infection exists in high risk populations of STDs in China, a nd the Mg infection rate is different among different high risk groups.