Mycoplasma genitalium macrolide resistance PCR

Description: 
The M. genitalium macrolide resistance PCR detects genotypic markers for resistance in the 23S gene. It is intended as a reflex test to be carried out on samples that are confirmed positive for the presence of M. genitalium. This assay is run once per week.

This test is not currently included in the laboratory's scope of UKAS accreditation to ISO15189:2012.
Clinical details: 
M. genitalium is a sexually-transmitted bacterium causing non-gonococcal urethritis in men, and has been associated with cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm delivery and spontaneous abortion in women. Recommended first line treatment (BASHH 2018) includes azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic. Resistance rates in M. genitalium to this antibiotic are increasing, and was estimated at 40% in the UK in 2014. BASHH guidelines now recommend macrolide resistance detection for all positive cases, as this can help guide appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Related condition or disease: 
Sexually-transmitted infection, STI, non-gonococcal urethritis
Synonyms or keywords: 
Mycoplasma, M. genitalium, resistance, macrolide
Units: 
Qualitative: “Markers of macrolide resistance Detected/Not Detected”
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Vulvovaginal swab in UTM. Vulvovaginal swab in Aptima specimen collection tube. Urine in plain universal. Urine in Aptima urine collection tube
Turnaround time: 
7-10 days (weekly testing on Tuesday, reported Thursday)
Patient instructions: 

Do not overfill and ensure lids are securely closed.

Special sample instructions: 

Only M. genitalium positive samples should be sent for testing.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Specimens in Aptima buffer can be stored and transported at ambient temperature. Vulvovaginal swabs in UTM and urines in plain universal should be sent to CSR promptly as the sensitivity of assays that detect RNA/DNA depend on sample quality/integrity. Please store samples in a refrigerator if there is a delay in sending samples to CSR
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

Print as a PDF

Last updated: 21/03/2023