Mycoplasma genitalium, the little-known sexual disease that could become the new superbug

07/12/2018 – a very little known sexually transmitted disease could become the next superbact, unless people are more attentive, warn experts.

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), an infection that in many cases does not show symptoms but can make some women infertile.

It is easy to switch MG to a high level, but if it is not treated properly, it can develop antibiotic resistance. In men, MG bacteria can cause inflammation of the urethra, penile discharge and pain in the urine.

In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, pain, and in some cases, fever and vaginal bleeding. ] The form of contagion is through unprotected sex. The use of condoms can prevent infection.

Wearing condoms (and using them)
MG was first identified by researchers in the UK in the 1980s. It is estimated that it affects between 1% and 2%.

Although it does not always give rise to symptoms and that it does not always require medical treatment, the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) believes that this disease … which is often confused with other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, is worrisome.

Therefore, the organization issued new recommendations, detailing how to identify the infection and how to treat it

. There are standardized tests to diagnose this infection, but usually a genital exudate is done in women and a urine test in men who have symptoms, or if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with this condition.

Treatment consists of a cycle of a family of antibiotics called macrolides. However, doctors warn that the infection develops resistance to some of these drugs.

For this reason, Peter Greenhouse, an expert on sexually transmitted diseases and member of BASHH, urged people to take precautions.

It's time for the public to learn what Mycoplasma genitalium is, "he said.

" This is one more reason to bring condoms during your vacation. " And, indeed, to use them. "