MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM

Causative organism	Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg)
Incubation period	Unknown but symptoms commonly develop within 1-3 weeks
How far back to trace	There are currently insufficient data to provide a definitive period for this, but partner notification is recommended
Usual testing method	Nucleic acid amplification testing on first pass urine in men (urethral swab less sensitive) and first pass urine, high vaginal or cervical swab in women
Common symptoms	Urethral discharge or dysuria in men Is a cause of cervicitis in women and PID Symptoms of cervicitis/PID include dyspareunia, post-coital bleeding, vaginal discharge and abdominal pain Commonly asymptomatic in men and women
Likelihood of transmission per act of unprotected intercourse	Unknown
Likelihood of long-term sexual partner being infected	38-63% of sexual partners infected
Protective effect of condoms	Probably high
Transmission by oral sex	Unknown but likely Studies are limited but indicate it is uncommonly detected in the pharynx
Duration of potential infectivity	Uncertain; however, persistent infection is common: 25% of infections persist > 12 months and infections up to 2-3 years have been reported
Important sequelae	cervicitis, PID, preterm delivery and infertility in women
Direct benefit of detection and treatment of contacts	Cure
Usual management of contacts	Counselling, clinical examination, testing and treatment of partners. A test of cure is recommended at 2-4 weeks. If M.genitalium is resistant to treatment, seek specialist advice for on-going symptoms.
Contact tracing priority	High
Notification	Not notifiable in Australia or New Zealand.

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