Mycoplasma genitalium, NAA, Swab

The Mycoplasma genitalium, NAA, Swab assay (real-time PCR for M. genitalium DNA) is used to establish the etiology of chronic or subacute genitourinary inflammation in urogenital specimens. In conjunction with tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Ureaplasma, it aids differentiation among sexually transmitted infections. The method can be applied to assess microbiologic response or eradication after antibiotic therapy and may be used for selective screening in defined clinical settings.

Mycoplasma genitalium is regarded as the most pathogenic mycoplasma of the urogenital tract. The organism attaches to spermatozoa and to urogenital epithelial cells. Transmission is predominantly sexual, with potential vertical transmission during pregnancy or delivery. The incubation period is approximately 3–5 weeks, and many infections remain asymptomatic. When symptomatic, men typically present with nongonococcal urethritis. In women, reported syndromes include urethritis, bartholinitis, vulvovaginitis, adnexitis, and endometritis. Adverse pregnancy events described include miscarriage, intrauterine infection, chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, and peripartum bleeding. Coinfection with Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, HIV, and other opportunistic organisms is common. Laboratory diagnosis relies on nucleic acid amplification methods that detect M. genitalium DNA in clinical specimens.