Detection of Mycoplasma genitalium in female cervical samples by Multitarget Real-Time PCR

Sabina Mahmutović-Vranić; Edina Bešlagić; Justin Hardick; Maida Šlaković; Charlotte A. Gaydos

doi:10.17305/bjbms.2007.3062

Authors

Sabina Mahmutović-Vranić Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Edina Bešlagić Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Justin Hardick Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
Maida Šlaković Institute for Health Protection of Women and Motherhood
Charlotte A. Gaydos Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2007.3062

Keywords:

Mycoplasmagenitalium, Multitarget real-time PCR

Abstract

Mycoplasma genitalum (MG) is associated with variety of urogenital infections such as non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), endometritis and cervicitis. The objective of this study was to demonstrate and evaluate a research polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, for the detection of MG in cervical samples of a tested population of women attending gynecology clinics in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Multitarget Real-Time (MTRT) PCR, utilizing the ABI 7900HT, the sequence detection system, was performed for the detection of MG. Cervical samples (N=97) from females were divided into three types of patient groups: Group 1: patients who had known abnormal clinical cytology reports (N=34); Group 2: patients who reported a history of genitourinary infections (N=22); and Group 3: patients not in either groups 1 or 2 (N=41). Overall, 14,43% (14/97) of those tested were positive for MG. A positive sample was defined as having a cycle threshold cross point (Ct) < 40,0 with a fluorescent detection comparable to the low positive control utilized during the run. This study validated the use of MTRT PCR as a reliable method for the detection of MG in clinical specimens and should facilitate large-scale screening for this organism.