From the Research
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) has a prevalence that varies depending on the population, but recent studies suggest it affects approximately 1-3% of the general population and up to 15-20% in high-risk groups. The prevalence of Mgen can be broken down into several key groups:
- In the general population, prevalence estimates are approximately 1-2% among asymptomatic individuals 1.
- In sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics, prevalence can reach 10-15% among patients with urethritis or cervicitis 2, 3.
- Among men with non-gonococcal urethritis, Mgen is detected in approximately 15-25% of cases, making it the second most common cause after Chlamydia trachomatis 2, 3.
- In women attending sexual health clinics, prevalence ranges from 4-6%, with higher rates in those with cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease 4.
- Prevalence is typically higher in younger age groups (under 30 years) and in individuals with multiple sexual partners or inconsistent condom use 1, 5.
- Geographic variations exist, with some regions reporting higher rates than others 1. The true prevalence may be underestimated due to limited routine testing in many healthcare settings, as Mgen requires specific nucleic acid amplification tests that are not universally available or included in standard STI screening panels 2, 3. According to the most recent study, the overall endemic Mgen prevalence is predicted to be around 9.1% in the current situation where screening is only offered to symptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM), but this could decrease to 6.4% if all MSM were offered screening 5.