Detection and quantification of Mycoplasma genitalium in male patients with urethritis

Detection and quantification of Mycoplasma genitalium were evaluated in 83 patients with urethritis ( group 1), 60 patients with urethral symptoms but no urethritis ( group 2), and 50 asymptomatic men ( group 3). Quantification of M. genitalium was carried out using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of first-pass urine samples. The rate of detection of M. genitalium was significantly higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (P < .0001). The mean ob served concentration of M. genitalium was 1.2 x 10(4) equivalent genomes/mL of urine (range, 50 to 8 x 10(4) equivalent genomes/mL). Analysis of M. genitalium load in serial urine samples collected before and after the administration of antibacterial treatment showed an association between clinical and microbiological responses, with a shift to negative PCR results in symptom-free patients. Our results illustrate the usefulness of monitoring the M. genitalium load in evaluating the susceptibility of M. genitalium to antibacterial treatment.