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Genital Mycoplasma Infections: Unrecognized STIs

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Course Overview
Genital mycoplasma infections are a significant source of morbidity for sexual partners. Genital mycoplasma species include: Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Mycoplasma genitalium. These organisms can cause pelvic inflammatory infections, recurrent bacterial vaginitis, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Some have been linked to pregnancy complications, neonatal infections, and infertility. In men, they most often present as nongonococcal urethritis and can lead to orchitis. One species, M. genitalium, was labeled a sexually transmitted infection (STI)  in 2015 by the CDC. Despite these risks and the STI label, many providers have never heard of genital mycoplasmas and, if they have, discount their morbidity. When recognized (mostly in men) rarely is their partner treated, leading to both being re-infected. Recognizing and treating these infections would relieve a significant amount of human suffering. This presentation will cover how to recognize, identify, diagnose, and treat mycoplasma infections.

Learning Outcomes 
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:

  • Distinguish between mycoplasma infections.
  • Analyze the morbid consequences of missed diagnoses.
  • Assess risk factors and clinical clues that raise the suspicion for mycoplasma infections.
  • Differentiate between the types of collection tubes and tests that are used to diagnose mycoplasmas.
  • Assess the antibiotic choices for treatment of various mycoplasma species.
  • Examine the controversies surrounding screening and treatment of mycoplasma infections.

About the Author/Presenter 
Christine Betzold NP, CLC, MSN, graduated in 1991 from the UCSF intercampus program with her Master's in Nursing and her Family Practice NP certificate from UCSD. During her 30+ year career she has practiced in a wide variety of settings, including military, hospital, private practice, academia, and Kaiser. Besides practicing in many settings, she has also participated in many other professional activities, such as research, writing book chapters, working with non- profits, and holding poster presentations, and has given numerous lectures for various groups. Topics she has expertise in include women's health, sexually transmitted diseases, sleep apnea, lactation, and pediatrics.

Audience/Accreditations and Approvals 
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE 
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details): 
Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician

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