Detection of Mycoplasma genitalium from male primary urine specimens: an epidemiologic dichotomy with Trichomonas vaginalis

Abstract

A total of 2750 male urines subjected to a transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)–based Mycoplasma genitalium assay yielded 188 positive results (6.84%). This rate was similar to Chlamydia trachomatis (6.87%; P=0.96) and greater than Neisseria gonorrhoeae (4.0%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (2.3%; P<0.0002). Mean age of M. genitalium–infected males (30.8) was similar to N. gonorrhoeae (P=0.78) but less than T. vaginalis (mean, 41.6; P<0.0001). A total of 266 STI clinic encounters had at least 1 sexually transmitted infection (STI); 36.5% of these encounters had sole detection of M. genitalium (P≤0.009 versus sole detection of other STI agents). In 209 community encounters with at least 1 STI, 22.0% exhibited sole detection of M. genitalium (P=0.0007 versus sole M. genitalium detection in STI clinic males), while 18.7% had sole detection of T. vaginalis (P<0.0002 versus detection in STI clinic males). TMA-based M. genitalium screening identifies additional cases of nongonococcal urethritis.