Prevalence and Epidemiology of Mycoplasma genitalium in a Pacific-Region Military Population.

Horseman, Timothy S; Crecelius, Elena M; Miller, Mechelle A; Lustik, Michael B; Lee, Benjamin C; Brazer, Miriam L; O'Neal, Lindsey L; Kim, Dong M; Fong, Keith S K; Chang, Tom W

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma genitalium is an important emerging sexually transmitted pathogen commonly causing urethritis in men, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women with potential of infertility. Accumulating evidence identifies the prevalence of M. genitalium similar to long recognized pathogens, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence and epidemiology of M. genitalium in a mid-Pacific military population. METHODS A prospective analysis was conducted from routine specimens collected as standard of care for STI testing at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu, HI. The prevalence of M. genitalium was determined using the Aptima Mycoplasma genitalium assay, a transcription-mediated amplification test. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess the associations for this infection with other STIs and demographic factors. RESULTS A total of 1,876 specimens were tested in a six-month period including 6 sample types from 1,158 females and 718 males. Subject ages ranged from 18-76 years old, with a median of 24 (IQR=21-29). Prevalence of M. genitalium was 8.8% overall (n = 165), 7.1% in females and 11.6% in males. Coinfection with M. genitalium occurred with another sexually-transmitted pathogen in 43 patients (18.3%), with C. trachomatis as the most common organism (n = 38). CONCLUSIONS These data contribute to the evidence base for M. genitalium and STI screening in an active duty military.