Mycoplasma genitalium infection and female reproductive tract disease: a meta-analysis

Abstract

To determine the association between Mycoplasma genitalium infection and female reproductive tract syndromes through meta-analysis, English-language, peer-reviewed studies were identified via PubMed, Embase, Biosis, Cochrane Library, and reference review. Two reviewers independently extracted data. Random-effects models were employed to calculate summary estimates, between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using I(2) statistics, publication bias was assessed via funnel plots and the Begg and Egger tests, and methodologic quality was rated. Mycoplasma genitalium infection was significantly associated with increased risk of cervicitis (pooled odds ratio [OR], 1.66 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.35-2.04]), pelvic inflammatory disease (pooled OR, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.31-3.49]), preterm birth (pooled OR, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.25-2.85]), and spontaneous abortion (pooled OR, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.10-3.03]). Risk of infertility was similarly elevated (pooled OR, 2.43 [95% CI, .93-6.34]). In subanalyses accounting for coinfections, all associations were stronger and statistically significant. Testing of high-risk symptomatic women for M. genitalium may be warranted.

Keywords: Mycoplasma genitalium; cervicitis; female infertility; pelvic inflammatory disease; pregnancy outcomes.