Mycoplasma genitalium, Molecular Detection, PCR
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Mycoplasma genitalium causes acute and chronic nongonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Culture isolation is technically challenging; PCR is the diagnostic test of choice.
Rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of Mycoplasma genitalium from genitourinary and reproductive sources
A positive PCR result for the presence of a specific sequence found within the Mycoplasma genitalium tuf gene indicates the presence of Mycoplasma genitalium DNA in the specimen.
A negative PCR result indicates the absence of detectable Mycoplasma genitalium DNA in the specimen, but does not rule-out infection as false-negative results may occur due to the following; inhibition of PCR, sequence variability underlying the primers or probes, or the presence of Mycoplasma genitalium in quantities below the limit of detection of the assay.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Interfering substances may affect the accuracy of this assay; results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and epidemiological findings.
This test does not detect other mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Jurstrand M, Jensen JS, Fredlund H, et al: Detection of Mycoplasma genitalium in urogenital specimens by real-time PCR and by conventional PCR assay. J Med Microbiol 2005;54(Pt 1):23-29
2. Stellrecht KA, Woron AM, Mishrik NG, Venezia RA: Comparison of multiplex PCR assay with culture detection of genital mycoplasmas. J Clin Microbiol 2004;42:1528-1533
3. Taylor-Robinson D, Jensen JS: Mycoplasma genitalium: from chrysalis to multicolored butterfly. Clin Micro Rev 2011;24:498-514