Apparently-Different Clearance Rates from Cohort Studies of Mycoplasma genitalium Are Consistent after Accounting for Incidence of Infection, Recurrent Infection, and Study Design

German evidence- and consensus-based guideline on the management of penile urethritis

Urethritis is a common condition predominantly caused by sexually transmitted pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium. It is not possible to differentiate with certainty between pathogens on the basis of clinical characteristics alone. However, empirical antibiotic therapy is often initiated in clinical practice. The aim of this clinical practice guideline is to promote an evidence-based syndrome-orientated approach to the management of male adolescents and adults with symptoms of urethritis. Besides recommendations for the diagnosis, classification and choice of treatment, this guideline provides recommendations for the indication to empirically treat patients with penile urethritis. A novel feature compared to existing, pathogen-specific guidelines is the inclusion of a flowchart for the syndrome-orientated practical management. For suspected gonococcal urethritis requiring empirical treatment, ceftriaxone is recommended. Due to the risk of Chlamydia trachomatis co-infection, doxycycline should also be prescribed, unless follow-up for the treatment of possible co-infections is assured. For suspected non-gonococcal urethritis, doxycycline is the recommended empirical treatment. In the empiric treatment of both gonococcal and non-gonococcal penile urethritis, azithromycin is reserved for cases where doxycycline is contraindicated. This guideline also includes detailed recommendations on differential diagnosis, pathogen-specific treatments and specific situations, as well as patient counselling and follow-up.

Update in Epidemiology and Management of Mycoplasma genitalium Infections

Mycoplasma genitalium is a frequent cause of urogenital syndromes in men and women and is associated with adverse sequelae in women. M genitalium also infects the rectum, and may cause proctitis, but rarely infects the pharynx. Diagnosis requires nucleic acid amplification testing. Antibiotic resistance is widespread: more than half of infections are resistant to macrolides and fluoroquinolone resistance is increasing. Resistance-guided therapy is recommended for symptomatic patients, involving initial treatment with doxycycline to reduce organism load followed by azithromycin for macrolide-sensitive infections or moxifloxacin for macrolide-resistant infections. Neither screening nor tests of cure are recommended in asymptomatic persons.

Phylogeny-based identification of Mycoplasma genitalium in a Nigerian population of apparently healthy sexually active female students

Introduction

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) is still a burden for Nigerian women because it is asymptomatic. The lack of detection of M. genitalium in apparently healthy sexually active females in Nigeria is due to non-application of high throughput molecular approach. We conducted a study to identify M. genitalium in apparently healthy Nigerian female students using a phylogenetic approach.

Methods

one hundred endocervical swab specimens were collected from a student population of sexually active females aged 15 - 39 years. The 16SrRNA gene V1-V3 region of M. genitalium were amplified directly from the specimens before sequencing. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis was carried out to determine genetic relatedness.

Results

the prevalence of M. genitalium infection was 1% among students. The majority (59%) of them were between 20 - 24 years, with a mean age of 26.2 ± 2.66 years. High number of sexual partners, previous STI and irregular condom use were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the prevalence of M. genitalium infection. There was extensive lack of knowledge (0%) about M. genitalium infection among the students. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three clades with different relatedness. Our study highlighted that 16SrRNA gene was a detector of M. genitalium, but it shared no phylogenetic relationship with other examined species from around the world.

Conclusion

despite a low prevalence of M. genitalium infection among the understudied group, its cause was not established; consequently, prevention and control measures should be based on health education in the general population in order to limit the spread of this pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify M. genitalium among the general population of Nigeria using a phylogenetic approach.

Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2020: infections that cause urethral discharge

This article approaches infections that cause urethral discharge. This theme is part of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Ministry of Health of Brazil in 2020. These guidelines were prepared based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with experts. Urethritis can cause severe and even irreversible health damage when not properly treated, or when the microorganism develops antimicrobial resistance. It is noteworthy that the high levels of antimicrobial resistance grown by pathogens that cause urethritis comprises a global emergency in public health. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects, recommendations on diagnostic and treatment, and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control actions for infections that cause urethral discharge, to contribute to managers' and health professionals' care qualification. Associated factors with urethritis are: young age, low socioeconomic level, multiple partnerships or new sexual partnership, history of STI, irregular use of condoms, and lack of access to adequate diagnosis and treatment.

[Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: infections that cause urethral discharge]

This article approach infections that cause urethral discharge, theme which is part of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Ministry of Health of Brazil in 2020. These guidelines were prepared based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with experts. When urethritis is not treated correctly, or when the microorganism develops antimicrobial resistance, it can cause serious and even irreversible health damage. It is noteworthy that the high levels of antimicrobial resistance developed by pathogens that causes urethritis comprises a global emergency in public health. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects, recommendations on diagnostic and treatment, and strategies for surveillance, prevention and control actions of infections that cause urethral discharge, with the purpose of contributing with managers and health professionals to care qualification.

Impact of screening on the prevalence and incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium and its macrolide resistance in men who have sex with men living in Australia: A mathematical model

BACKGROUND

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) causes a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with a rising rate of antimicrobial resistance. Currently, guidelines do not recommend screening asymptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM). We developed a mathematical model of MG transmission to examine the impact of various screening strategies on the incidence and prevalence of MG among MSM attending a sexual health clinic.

METHODS

A compartmental mathematical model of MG transmission among MSM was constructed and calibrated using data from the Melbourne Sexual Health center, where resistance-guided therapy provides high treatment effectiveness (92-95%). The model stratified men by symptom status, sexual risk behaviours and whether or not they had MG with macrolide resistance. We simulated the impact on endemic steady-state MG prevalence and incidence of the following screening scenarios, namely screening: 1) no MSM; 2) only symptomatic MSM (the current recommendation); 3) all symptomatic and high-risk asymptomatic MSM; and 4) all MSM. Our base case analysis assumed a treatment effectiveness of 92-95% using resistance-guided therapy. We also examined the impact of treatment effectiveness (i.e. the proportion of detected MG that were cured) and screening coverage (i.e. testing rate) on MG prevalence.

FINDINGS

The model predicts that the overall endemic MG prevalence is 9.1% (95% CI: 7.9-10.0) in the current situation where screening is only offered to symptomatic MSM (base-case). This would increase to 11·4% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 10.2-13.7) if no MSM are offered screening, but would decrease to 7.3% (95% CI: 5.7-8.4) if all symptomatic and high-risk asymptomatic MSM were offered screening and 6.4% (95% CI: 4.7-7·7) if all MSM were offered screening. Increasing coverage of MSM screening strategies shows a similar effect on decreasing endemic MG incidence. When evaluating the simultaneous impact of treatment effectiveness and screening coverage, we found that offering screening to more MSM may reduce the overall prevalence but leads to a higher proportion of macrolide-resistant MG, particularly when using treatment regimens with lower effectiveness.

INTERPRETATION

Based on the available treatment options, offering screening for MG to other MSM (beyond the currently recommended group of symptomatic MSM) could slightly reduce the prevalence and incidence of MG. However, further increasing screening coverage must be weighed against the impact of lower treatment effectiveness (i.e. when not using resistance-guided therapy), increasing the selection of macrolide resistance, and other negative consequences related to AMR and management (e.g. unnecessary psychological morbidity from infections that do not need treatment).

Understanding the spread of de novo and transmitted macrolide-resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium

Background

The rapid spread of azithromycin resistance in sexually transmitted Mycoplasma genitalium infections is a growing concern. It is not yet clear to what degree macrolide resistance in M. genitalium results from the emergence of de novo mutations or the transmission of resistant strains.

Methods

We developed a compartmental transmission model to investigate the contribution of de novo macrolide resistance mutations to the spread of antimicrobial-resistant M. genitalium. We fitted the model to resistance data from France, Denmark and Sweden, estimated the time point of azithromycin introduction and the rates at which infected individuals receive treatment, and projected the future spread of resistance.

Results

The high probability of de novo resistance in M. genitalium accelerates the early spread of antimicrobial resistance. The relative contribution of de novo resistance subsequently decreases, and the spread of resistant infections in France, Denmark and Sweden is now mainly driven by transmitted resistance. If treatment with single-dose azithromycin continues at current rates, macrolide-resistant M. genitalium infections will reach 25% (95% confidence interval, CI [9–30]%) in France, 84% (95% CI [36–98]%) in Denmark and 62% (95% CI [48–76]%) in Sweden by 2025.

Conclusions

Blind treatment of urethritis with single-dose azithromycin continues to select for the spread of macrolide resistant M. genitalium. Clinical management strategies for M. genitalium should limit the unnecessary use of macrolides.

Gini coefficients for measuring the distribution of sexually transmitted infections among individuals with different levels of sexual activity

Objectives

Gini coefficients have been used to describe the distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections among individuals with different levels of sexual activity. The objectives of this study were to investigate Gini coefficients for different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and to determine how STI control interventions might affect the Gini coefficient over time.

Methods

We used population-based data for sexually experienced women from two British National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-2: 1999–2001; Natsal-3: 2010–2012) to calculate Gini coefficients for CT, Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16 and 18. We applied bootstrap methods to assess uncertainty and to compare Gini coefficients for different STIs. We then used a mathematical model of STI transmission to study how control interventions affect Gini coefficients.

Results

Gini coefficients for CT and MG were 0.33 (95% CI [0.18–0.49]) and 0.16 (95% CI [0.02–0.36]), respectively. The relatively small coefficient for MG suggests a longer infectious duration compared with CT. The coefficients for HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 ranged from 0.15 to 0.38. During the decade between Natsal-2 and Natsal-3, the Gini coefficient for CT did not change. The transmission model shows that higher STI treatment rates are expected to reduce prevalence and increase the Gini coefficient of STIs. In contrast, increased condom use reduces STI prevalence but does not affect the Gini coefficient.

Conclusions

Gini coefficients for STIs can help us to understand the distribution of STIs in the population, according to level of sexual activity, and could be used to inform STI prevention and treatment strategies.

Mycoplasma genitalium incidence, persistence, concordance between partners and progression: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Mycoplasma genitalium is increasingly seen as an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen, and has been likened to Chlamydia trachomatis, but its natural history is poorly understood. The objectives of this systematic review were to determine M. genitalium incidence, persistence, concordance between sexual partners and the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, LILACS, IndMed and African Index Medicus from 1 January 1981 until 17 March 2018. Two independent researchers screened studies for inclusion and extracted data. We examined results in forest plots, assessed heterogeneity and conducted meta-analysis where appropriate. Risk of bias was assessed for all studies.

Results

We screened 4634 records and included 18 studies; six (4201 women) reported on incidence, five (636 women) on persistence, 10 (1346 women and men) on concordance and three (5139 women) on PID. Incidence in women in two very highly developed countries was 1.07 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0.61 to 1.53, I² 0%). Median persistence of M. genitalium was estimated from one to three months in four studies but 15 months in one study. In 10 studies measuring M. genitalium infection status in couples, 39%–50% of male or female sexual partners of infected participants also had M. genitalium detected. In prospective studies, PID incidence was higher in women with M. genitalium than those without (risk ratio 1.73, 95% CI 0.92 to 3.28, I² 0%, two studies).

Discussion

Incidence of M. genitalium in very highly developed countries is similar to that for C. trachomatis, but concordance might be lower. Taken together with other evidence about age distribution and antimicrobial resistance in the two infections, M. genitalium is not the new chlamydia. Synthesised data about prevalence, incidence and persistence of M. genitalium infection are inconsistent. These findings can be used for mathematical modelling to investigate the dynamics of M. genitalium.

Registration numbers

CRD42015020420, CRD42015020405

A Silent Epidemic: The Prevalence, Incidence and Persistence of Mycoplasma genitalium Among Young, Asymptomatic High-Risk Women in the United States

Background

Mycoplasma genitalium can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We analyzed data collected from a prospective study of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) to determine the natural history of M. genitalium.

Methods

Women aged 15-25 years, with asymptomatic BV and ≥2 risk factors for sexually transmitted infection were recruited from 10 sites throughout the United States. Vaginal swab samples were collected at enrollment and through home-based testing every 2 months over 12 months. M. genitalium nucleic acid amplification testing was performed for M. genitalium using transcription-mediated assays (Hologic). The prevalence, incidence, and persistence of M. genitalium, defined as all positive specimens during follow-up, were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated using logistic and Poisson regression to evaluate participant characteristics associated with M. genitalium infection.

Results

Among 1139 women, 233 were M. genitalium positive, for a prevalence of 20.5% (95% CI, 18.2%-22.9%); 42 of 204 had persistent M. genitalium (20.6%). Among 801 M. genitalium-negative women at baseline, the M. genitalium incidence was 36.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 32.4-41.3). Black race (AOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09-3.38), age ≤21 years (1.40; 1.03-1.91), and prior pregnancy (1.36; 1.00-1.85) were associated with prevalent M. genitalium; only black race was associated with incident M. genitalium (P = .03).

Conclusions

We identified high rates of prevalent, incident, and persistent M. genitalium infections among young, high-risk women with asymptomatic BV, supporting the need for clinical trials to evaluate the impact of M. genitalium screening on female reproductive health outcomes.

Should we screen for the sexually-transmitted infection Mycoplasma genitalium? Evidence synthesis using a transmission-dynamic model

There is increasing concern about Mycoplasma genitalium as a cause of urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Commercial nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are becoming available, and their use in screening for M. genitalium has been advocated, but M. genitalium's natural history is poorly-understood, making screening's effectiveness unclear. We used a transmission-dynamic compartmental model to synthesise evidence from surveillance data and epidemiological and behavioural studies to better understand M. genitalium's natural history, and then examined the effects of implementing NAAT testing. Introducing NAAT testing initially increases diagnoses, by finding a larger proportion of infections; subsequently the diagnosis rate falls, due to reduced incidence. Testing only symptomatic patients finds relatively little infection in women, as a large proportion is asymptomatic. Testing both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients has a much larger impact and reduces cumulative PID incidence in women due to M. genitalium by 31.1% (95% range:13.0%-52.0%) over 20 years. However, there is important uncertainty in M. genitalium's natural history parameters, leading to uncertainty in the absolute reduction in PID and sequelae. Empirical work is required to improve understanding of key aspects of M. genitalium's natural history before it will be possible to determine the effectiveness of screening.

Should we screen for the sexually-transmitted infection Mycoplasma genitalium? Evidence synthesis using a transmission-dynamic model

There is increasing concern about Mycoplasma genitalium as a cause of urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Commercial nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are becoming available, and their use in screening for M. genitalium has been advocated, but M. genitalium's natural history is poorly-understood, making screening's effectiveness unclear. We used a transmission-dynamic compartmental model to synthesise evidence from surveillance data and epidemiological and behavioural studies to better understand M. genitalium's natural history, and then examined the effects of implementing NAAT testing. Introducing NAAT testing initially increases diagnoses, by finding a larger proportion of infections; subsequently the diagnosis rate falls, due to reduced incidence. Testing only symptomatic patients finds relatively little infection in women, as a large proportion is asymptomatic. Testing both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients has a much larger impact and reduces cumulative PID incidence in women due to M. genitalium by 31.1% (95% range:13.0%-52.0%) over 20 years. However, there is important uncertainty in M. genitalium's natural history parameters, leading to uncertainty in the absolute reduction in PID and sequelae. Empirical work is required to improve understanding of key aspects of M. genitalium's natural history before it will be possible to determine the effectiveness of screening.

Improvement of semen parameters after antibiotic therapy in asymptomatic infertile men infected with Mycoplasma genitalium

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the association between asymptomatic infections caused by Mycoplasma genitalium and male infertility, and evaluate the role of antibiotic therapy in treatment of this failure.

METHODS

A total of 165 infertile males having abnormal semen parameters (study group) and 165 healthy fertile men (control group) were included. Semen samples were taken from all participants and after analyzing for semen parameters, undergone real-time PCR, microbial culture, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. Infected individuals of study group were treated with antibiotic. One month after the treatment completion, second semen samples were taken and subjected to all the tests mentioned. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, version 22.0.

RESULTS

The frequency of M. genitalium was significantly higher in the infertile men compared with the fertile ones (9.7% vs. 1.2%; p = 0.001). Mean cycle threshold (C _t) value was lower in infected infertile than infected fertile men (p < 0.001). All semen parameters, except volume, pH, and viscosity, were improved (p < 0.05), most of which reached their normal range; leukocytes in seminal fluid decreased (p = 0.02), the level of TAC was elevated (p = 0.002), and ROS level as well as ROS/TAC ratio reduced after antibiotic treatment (p = 0.03). Wives of seven infected infertile men (43.8%) became pregnant 4 months after the treatment completion.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic infection caused by M. genitalium is correlated with male infertility and antibiotic therapy can improve the semen quality and be used to treat male infertility.

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Infections Clear More Slowly in Men Than Women, but Are Less Likely to Become Established

Background

Rigorous estimates for clearance rates of untreated chlamydia infections are important for understanding chlamydia epidemiology and designing control interventions, but were previously only available for women.

Methods

We used data from published studies of chlamydia-infected men who were retested at a later date without having received treatment. Our analysis allowed new infections to take one of 1, 2, or 3 courses, each clearing at a different rate. We determined which of these 3 models had the most empirical support.

Results

The best-fitting model had 2 courses of infection in men, as was previously found for women: “slow-clearing” and “fast-clearing.” Only 68% (57%–78%) (posterior median and 95% credible interval [CrI]) of incident infections in men were slow-clearing, vs 77% (69%–84%) in women. The slow clearance rate in men (based on 6 months’ follow-up) was 0.35 (.05–1.15) year^-1 (posterior median and 95% CrI), corresponding to mean infection duration 2.84 (.87–18.79) years. This compares to 1.35 (1.13–1.63) years in women.

Conclusions

Our estimated clearance rate is slower than previously assumed. Fewer infections become established in men than women but once established, they clear more slowly. This study provides an improved description of chlamydia’s natural history to inform public health decision making. We describe how further data collection could reduce uncertainty in estimates.

Mycoplasma genitalium Infection in Men

Mycoplasmagenitalium is one of the major causes of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) worldwide but an uncommon sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the general population. The risk of sexual transmission is probably lower than for Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection in men is usually asymptomatic and it is likely that most men resolve infection without developing disease. The incubation period for NGU caused by Mycoplasma genitalium is probably longer than for NGU caused by C. trachomatis. The clinical characteristics of symptomatic NGU have not been shown to identify the pathogen specific etiology. Effective treatment of men and their sexual partner(s) is complicated as macrolide antimicrobial resistance is now common in many countries, conceivably due to the widespread use of azithromycin 1 g to treat STIs and the limited availability of diagnostic tests for M. genitalium. Improved outcomes in men with NGU and better antimicrobial stewardship are likely to arise from the introduction of diagnostic M. genitalium nucleic acid amplification testing including antimicrobial resistance testing in men with symptoms of NGU as well as in their current sexual partner(s). The cost effectiveness of these approaches needs further evaluation. The evidence that M. genitalium causes epididymo-orchitis, proctitis, and reactive arthritis and facilitates human immunodeficiency virus transmission in men is weak, although biologically plausible. In the absence of randomized controlled trials demonstrating cost effectiveness, screening of asymptomatic men cannot be recommended.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium and other sexually transmitted infections causing urethritis among high-risk heterosexual male patients in Estonia

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI, including Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis) among high-risk heterosexual male patients and to clarify their potency to cause complaints and inflammation.

METHODS

The study group included 825 men (18.0-49.5 y) consulting andrologist at Tartu University Hospital (Estonia) due to subjectively perceived risk of STI. Patients completed STI risk behaviour questionnaire. First voided urine was analysed for white blood cells and STIs.

RESULTS

In total 193 (23.4%) patients were positive for one or multiple STI. The prevalence of C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis and combined STI was 14.3%, 4.4%, 2.7%, 0.7% and 1.3%, respectively. N. gonorrhoeae had the highest potency to generate inflammatory reaction in first voided urine (100%) followed by C. trachomatis (72.0%), M. genitalium (63.9%) and T. vaginalis (33.3%). N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis caused the highest mean number of complaints while half of T. vaginalis cases and nearly fifth of M. genitalium and C. trachomatis cases were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

C. trachomatis has the highest prevalence among Estonian high-risk men but M. genitalium holds an important second place. Prevalence of combined STIs is low. N. gonorrhoeae has the highest potency to generate urethral inflammation followed by C. trachomatis and M. genitalium. The highest number of complaints is also associated with N. gonorrhoeae while half of T. vaginalis cases and nearly a fifth of M. genitalium and C. trachomatis cases are asymptomatic.

The Ballseye programme: a mixed-methods programme of research in traditional sexual health and alternative community settings to improve the sexual health of men in the UK

Background

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses are increasing and efforts to reduce transmission have failed. There are major uncertainties in the evidence base surrounding the delivery of STI care for men.

Aim

To improve the sexual health of young men in the UK by determining optimal strategies for STI testing and care

Objectives

To develop an evidence-based clinical algorithm for STI testing in asymptomatic men; model mathematically the epidemiological and economic impact of removing microscopy from routine STI testing in asymptomatic men; conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of accelerated partner therapy (APT; new models of partner notification to rapidly treat male sex partners of people with STIs) in primary care; explore the acceptability of diverse venues for STI screening in men; and determine optimal models for the delivery of screening.

Design

Systematic review of the clinical consequences of asymptomatic non-chlamydial, non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU); case–control study of factors associated with NCNGU; mathematical modelling of the epidemiological and economic impact of removing microscopy from asymptomatic screening and cost-effectiveness analysis; pilot RCT of APT for male sex partners of women diagnosed withChlamydia trachomatisinfection in primary care; stratified random probability sample survey of UK young men; qualitative study of men’s views on accessing STI testing; SPORTSMART pilot cluster RCT of two STI screening interventions in amateur football clubs; and anonymous questionnaire survey of STI risk and previous testing behaviour in men in football clubs.

Settings

General population, genitourinary medicine clinic attenders, general practice and community contraception and sexual health clinic attenders and amateur football clubs.

Participants

Men and women.

Interventions

Partner notification interventions: APTHotline [telephone assessment of partner(s)] and APTPharmacy [community pharmacist assessment of partner(s)]. SPORTSMART interventions: football captain-led and health adviser-led promotion of urine-based STI screening.

Main outcome measures

For the APT pilot RCT, the primary outcome, determined for each contactable partner, was whether or not they were considered to have been treated within 6 weeks of index diagnosis. For the SPORTSMART pilot RCT, the primary outcome was the proportion of eligible men accepting screening.

Results

Non-chlamydial, non-gonococcal urethritis is not associated with significant clinical consequences for men or their sexual partners but study quality is poor (systematic review). Men with symptomatic and asymptomatic NCNGU and healthy men share similar demographic, behavioural and clinical variables (case–control study). Removal of urethral microscopy from routine asymptomatic screening is likely to lead to a small rise in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) but could save > £5M over 20 years (mathematical modelling and health economics analysis). In the APT pilot RCT the proportion of partners treated by the APTHotline [39/111 (35%)], APTPharmacy [46/100 (46%)] and standard patient referral [46/102 (45%)] did not meet national standards but exceeded previously reported outcomes in community settings. Men’s reported willingness to access self-sampling kits for STIs and human immunodeficiency virus infection was high. Traditional health-care settings were preferred but sports venues were acceptable to half of men who played sport (random probability sample survey). Men appear to prefer a ‘straightforward’ approach to STI screening, accessible as part of their daily activities (qualitative study). Uptake of STI screening in the SPORTSMART RCT was high, irrespective of arm [captain led 28/56 (50%); health-care professional led 31/46 (67%); poster only 31/51 (61%)], and costs were similar. Men were at risk of STIs but previous testing was common.

Conclusions

Men find traditional health-care settings the most acceptable places to access STI screening. Self-sampling kits in football clubs could widen access to screening and offer a public health impact for men with limited local sexual health services. Available evidence does not support an association between asymptomatic NCNGU and significant adverse clinical outcomes for men or their sexual partners but the literature is of poor quality. Similarities in characteristics of men with and without NCNGU precluded development of a meaningful clinical algorithm to guide STI testing in asymptomatic men. The mathematical modelling and cost-effectiveness analysis of removing all asymptomatic urethral microscopy screening suggests that this would result in a small rise in adverse outcomes such as PID but that it would be highly cost-effective. APT appears to improve outcomes of partner notification in community settings but outcomes still fail to meet national standards. Priorities for future work include improving understanding of men’s collective behaviours and how these can be harnessed to improve health outcomes; exploring barriers to and facilitators of opportunistic STI screening for men attending general practice, with development of evidence-based interventions to increase the offer and uptake of screening; further development of APT for community settings; and studies to improve knowledge of factors specific to screening men who have sex with men (MSM) and, in particular, how, with the different epidemiology of STIs in MSM and the current narrow focus on chlamydia, this could negatively impact MSM’s sexual health.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme.

Bacterial Load in Daily Urine Samples of Patients Infected with Mycoplasma genitalium, Mutation Analysis, and Response to Treatment

Objective. Increasing macrolide resistant strains of Mycoplasma genitalium is a challenge, and to differentiate between treatment failure and reinfection a timely test of cure (TOC) is warranted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the best time for TOC after five days' treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infection with azithromycin. Methods. Nineteen patients with positive PCR for Mycoplasma genitalium in urine provided urine samples daily for 2 weeks and on days 21, 28, and 35. Samples were tested by a commercial qPCR and by sequencing of the 23S rRNA gene. Results. Eight patients with a wild type of Mycoplasma genitalium responded successfully within four days after treatment initiation. Eleven patients had a mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. These samples exhibited high variations in bacterial load, and some patients tested negative at several time points during the observation period. Conclusions. Day-to-day fluctuations in the mutation samples allow for false negative TOC during the first 5 weeks after start of treatment. Due to increasing macrolide resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium, pretreatment mutation analysis is recommended. When a wild type is verified, TOC performed one week after initiation of treatment is suggested.

Mycoplasma genitalium: An Overlooked Sexually Transmitted Pathogen in Women?

Mycoplasma genitalium is a facultative anaerobic organism and a recognized cause of nongonococcal urethritis in men. In women, M. genitalium has been associated with cervicitis, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and adverse birth outcomes, indicating a consistent relationship with female genital tract pathology. The global prevalence of M. genitalium among symptomatic and asymptomatic sexually active women ranges between 1 and 6.4%. M. genitalium may play a role in pathogenesis as an independent sexually transmitted pathogen or by facilitating coinfection with another pathogen. The long-term reproductive consequences of M. genitalium infection in asymptomatic individuals need to be investigated further. Though screening for this pathogen is not currently recommended, it should be considered in high-risk populations. Recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control regarding first-line treatment for PID do not cover M. genitalium but recommend considering treatment in patients without improvement on standard PID regimens. Prospective studies on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and long-term reproductive consequences of M. genitalium infection in the general population are needed to determine if screening protocols are necessary. New treatment regimens need to be investigated due to increasing drug resistance.