The UAB Diagnostic Mycoplasma Laboratory offers molecular detection of macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae and both macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance in M. genitalium directly from clinical specimens. We also offer molecular identification of M. hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum from a wide array of clinical specimens. Additionally, we provide culture and CLSI M43 antimicrobial susceptibility testing for most cultivatable mollicutes affecting human health. Additional details are provided in our test menu below. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
M. pneumoniae is a major cause of Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP), and macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae is increasing, with rates ranging from about 10% (US) to > 90% (Asia). The UAB M. pneumoniae PCR assay is a highly sensitive diagnostic test. PCR-positive samples are subsequently analyzed by high resolution melting curve analysis to detect point mutations conferring macrolide resistance. We offer Mycoplasma culture to obtain an isolate from clinical specimens and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing using the CLSI M43 microbroth dilution method.
Mycoplasma genitalium
M. genitalium is a leading cause of urethritis in men and has been associated with cervicitis and reproductive tract disease in women. It is extremely slow growing and often resistant to the primary antimicrobial agents used to treat mycoplasmas: macrolides (~40-80% resistant) and quinolones (up to 30% resistant). Tetracycline antibiotics cure <45% of M. genitalium infections. The UAB M. genitalium PCR assay exhibits very high sensitivity for organism detection and is currently the only available test in the US capable of detecting point mutations conferring both macrolide and quinolone resistance.
Urogenital Mollicutes (Ureaplasma spp., M. hominis, etc.)
Ureaplasma urealyticum, U. parvum, andM. hominis are associated with urogenital infections and perinatal infections. Although typically associated with the urogenital tract, M. hominis can cause systemic infection, particularly in soft tissues and joints. Likewise, Ureaplasma infection is associated with arthritis in persons with hypogammaglobulinemia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the neonatal lung, and hyperammonemia syndrome in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant recipients. The UAB multiplex PCR Ureaplasma Panel detects U. urealyticum and U. parvum and distinguishes them from one another. An individual PCR assay is available for M. hominis. Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis (not M. genitalium) can be isolated from clinical specimens via Urogenital culture and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing performed using the CLSI M43 microbroth dilution method.
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