Open AccessSingle-Locus-Sequence-Based Typing of the mgpB Gene Reveals Transmission Dynamics in Mycoplasma genitalium
Author(s) -
Miguel Fernández-Huerta,
Judit Serra-Pladevall,
Juliana Esperalba,
Albert Moreno-Mingorance,
Candela FernándezNaval,
María-Jesús Barberá,
David Aparicio,
Óscar Q. Pich,
Tomàs Pumarola,
Jørgen Skov Jensen,
Mateu Espasa
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of clinical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.349
H-Index - 255
eISSN - 1070-633X
pISSN - 0095-1137
DOI - 10.1128/jcm.01886-19
Subject(s) - mycoplasma genitalium , molecular epidemiology , typing , epidemiology , biology , mycoplasma , virology , transmission (telecommunications) , antibiotic resistance , men who have sex with men , chlamydia trachomatis , immunology , genetics , medicine , antibiotics , gene , genotype , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , electrical engineering , engineering , syphilis
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by Mycoplasma genitalium are a major problem worldwide, especially given their marked and rapid propensity for developing antimicrobial resistance. Since very few treatment options exist, clinicians face an important challenge in the management of the infection. In this scenario, little is known regarding the transmission dynamics of M. genitalium and the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. This mgpB -based molecular typing study, conducted among 54 asymptomatically infected individuals prospectively recruited from an STI screening service, reveals two distinct epidemiological clusters that significantly correlate with sexual conduct in heterosexuals and men who have sex with men (MSM), respectively. This well-defined structuration suggests the presence of two independent sexual networks with little connectivity between them. On the other hand, the study demonstrates the multiclonal feature of the emergence of antibiotic resistance in M. genitalium to both macrolides and fluoroquinolones. The high prevalence of macrolide resistance in M. genitalium among MSM, influenced by dense network connectivity and strong antibiotic selective pressure, may correspond to allodemics affecting other STIs such as gonorrhea, syphilis and enteric pathogens. Collaterally, the structural and functional impact of mutations in the mgpB gene, encoding the major adhesin P140 (MgpB), may require further investigation.