Molecular testing for Mycoplasma hominis is a fast, specific, and sensitive way to detect this microorganism in various biological materials.
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Mycoplasmas belong to the Mollicutes class of bacteria, which includes three distinct families and four genera, one of which is Mycoplasma, with more than 60 species. Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living organisms known (300 to 500 nm in diameter) and, unlike bacteria, have no cell wall. Mycoplasmas are extracellular parasites that prefer mucosal membranes and can cause infections in humans, animals, plants, and cell cultures. Mycoplasma hominis is an opportunistic pathogenic mycoplasma that is found to be symbiotic in the lower urogenital system of humans. It can cause inflammatory pelvic disease and also fever after childbirth or after miscarriage and has been linked to bacterial vaginitis. In newborns, it can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or abscesses. It has also been implicated in infections outside of the genitals, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Two other species of the Mollicutes class, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum, play a role in human infections and reside in the same natural position as M. hominis, the urogenital system.
Mycoplasma hominis has been associated with various pathological conditions such as gynecological infections (vaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis), pregnancy complications (chorioamnionitis, spontaneous abortions, puerperal fever, neonatal infections), and inflammations outside the genital tract (e.g., arthritis). The most common infections are those of the genital tract in women but not men. M. hominis does not cause cervicitis. It may contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease, but this is usually considered a polymicrobial infection in which M. hominis probably acts as a secondary agent.
Mycoplasma hominis is one of the organisms that multiply during bacterial vaginosis associated with Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobes, but its contribution to the pathological process is unknown. A high concentration of M. hominis in this situation can lead to the microorganism's entry into the endometrium and upper genital tract. Several studies have reported that M. hominis can survive and reproduce within Trichomonas vaginalis, enhancing the infectivity of trichomonads.
Mycoplasma hominis is responsible for infections associated with pregnancy. It has been isolated from the amniotic fluid of women with chorioamnionitis, and there is strong evidence of its involvement in puerperal fever and endometritis. Mycoplasma hominis (and Ureaplasma spp.) have been identified in newborns' blood cultures, respiratory specimens, and cerebrospinal fluid due to infections in utero (intrauterine) or by vertical transmission at birth. In some cases, severe infections with symptoms of meningitis have been observed, mainly in premature infants with low birth weight.
Mycoplasma hominis has also been associated with infections outside the genital tract. Its incidence is probably low. However, it is responsible for several cases of septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, retroperitoneal abscesses, peritonitis and, more rarely, vasculitis, surgical wound infections, endocarditis, pericarditis, brain abscesses, and pneumonia mainly via hematogenous spread. Many of these infections appear to be associated with immunosuppression.
Although this mycoplasma does not cause urethritis or other clinical syndromes in men, it can affect specific sperm parameters and has been associated with abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and low concentration (oligozoospermia).
All Mycoplasmas lack a peptidoglycan wall and are, therefore, resistant to all cell wall-bound antibiotics such as beta-lactams, fosfomycin, and glycopeptide antibiotics. They also resist rifampicin, polymyxins, nalidixic acid, sulfonamides, and trimethoprim.
M. hominis is susceptible to tetracyclines, but resistance has been reported. Mycoplasma hominis is resistant to erythromycin and all macrolides (roxithromycin, clarithromycin, dirithromycin and azithromycin), but sensitive to dasamycin. M. hominis is intrinsically sensitive to fluoroquinolones. Newer fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, are more active in vitro against mycoplasmas than older ones, such as ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
