Mycoplasma genitalium, NAA, Swab

The Mycoplasma genitalium, NAA, Swab test is used to confirm the presence of Mycoplasma genitalium for etiologic diagnosis of urogenital tract infection. It aids in distinguishing among sexually transmitted infections with similar clinical features, including chlamydial, gonococcal, and ureaplasma infections; evaluating persistent or chronic urogenital inflammation; assessing response to antimicrobial therapy with a test-of-cure approach; and incorporating targeted screening within sexual health evaluations when appropriate. Synonyms encountered in practice include M. genitalium NAAT and Mycoplasma genitalium DNA PCR.

Mycoplasma genitalium attaches to the urogenital epithelium and to spermatozoa and is transmitted predominantly through sexual contact; vertical transmission can occur during pregnancy or at delivery. Many infections are asymptomatic, and the incubation period is approximately 3–5 weeks. In men, M. genitalium is a common cause of nongonococcal urethritis. In women, the organism is associated with urethritis, cervicitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, adnexitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease, and it has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Reported coinfections include Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma species, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and HIV. Nucleic acid amplification methods, including real-time PCR, detect M. genitalium DNA directly in clinical specimens.