M. genitalium-infection. Correlation between pathogen’s DNA concentration and clinical picture of disease

Background. M. genitalium (MG) infection causes symptoms that are typical for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and is widespread. Data on the correlation between MG DNA concentration (bacterial load) and clinical symptoms of the disease are quite rare and controversial. Objective. To study the DNA concentration of M. genitalium in biological material from urogenital tract of patients with MG-infection and its correlation with clinical manifestations of the disease. Material and methods. The object of the study was 257 patients with MG-infection including 204 (79.4%) males and 53 (20.6%) females aged from 16 to 68 years who were under observation in MSPCDC in 2021—2022 yrs. Material of the study — scrapings/discharge from the urogenital tract mucosa of patients. Method of the study — real-time PCR with determination of MG DNA concentration. The MG DNA concentration in patients with MG-infection ranged from 103 to 107; The MG DNA concentration at 104 gEq/mL or less was considered to be relatively low, and relatively high at more than 104 gEq/mL. Results. There has been a significant direct correlation between MG DNA concentration and clinical manifestations of the disease, more severe in males. Significant differences in occurrence frequency of severe clinical symptoms between males and females with high concentration of MG DNA have been found. Conclusion. The concentration of MG DNA in urogenital tract may influence the nature of infection’s clinical course, and it is worth to consider this when assessing disease’s clinical picture and course prognosis.