A little known sexually transmitted infection could become the next superbug unless people become more vigilant, experts are warning.
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) often has no symptoms but can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can leave some women infertile.
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The British Association of Sexual Health and HIV is launching new advice. Its draft guidelines detail how best to spot and treat MG.
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium that can cause inflammation of the urethra in men, causing discharge from the penis and making it painful to urinate.
In women, it can cause inflammation of the reproductive organs (womb and fallopian tubes) too, causing pain and possibly a fever and some bleeding. You can get it by having unprotected sex with someone who has it. Condoms can prevent this spread.
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Tests for MG have recently been developed but are not available in all clinics yet although doctors can send samples to Public Health England’s laboratory to get a diagnostic result.
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Eradication rates of MG following treatment with one family of antibiotics, called macrolides, are decreasing globally. Macrolide resistance in the UK is estimated at about 40%, say the guidelines.
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Dr Peter Greenhouse, a sexual consultant in Bristol and BASHH member, urged people to take precautions. “It’s about time the public learned about Mycoplasma genitalium,” he said.
Read full, original post: Emerging sex disease MG ‘could become next superbug’
