Mycoplasma hominis

What is Mycoplasma hominis?

Mycoplasma hominis is a cell wall-deficient bacterium that can colonize the urogenital tract. It is a conditionally pathogenic organism — present in healthy individuals but causing infection under certain conditions.

Infection symptoms

• Often asymptomatic — part of normal microflora in 10-30% of women
• Bacterial vaginosis — elevated pH, fishy odor, gray-white discharge
• PID — lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal bleeding
• Postpartum fever — infection after delivery
• Urinary tract infections — dysuria, frequent urination

Reproductive significance

• Infertility — associated with tubal inflammation
• Preterm birth — associated with premature rupture of membranes
• Neonatal infections — meningitis, pneumonia in newborns

Diagnostics

• PCR test — most precise detection and quantification method
• Culture — specific mycoplasma culture
• Cervical swab or urine for analysis

Treatment

Mycoplasma hominis is treated with macrolide or tetracycline antibiotics (azithromycin, doxycycline). Treatment is recommended when symptoms are present or when planning pregnancy.