Mycoplasma genitalium Infection and Female Reproductive Tract Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

<bold>Objective</bold>: Determine the association between <italic>Mycoplasma genitalium</italic> and female reproductive tract disease through meta-analysis. <bold>Methods</bold>: English–language literature published January 1, 1980–May 19, 2014 was searched, relevant studies were assessed for quality, and data on associations with reproductive tract disease abstracted. Random effects models generated pooled estimates. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I<super>2</super>-statistic; publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests. <bold>Results</bold>: A significant association was found between <italic>M. genitalium</italic> and cervicitis (pooled effect ratio 1.69 (95% CI 1.36–2.10)), preterm birth/spontaneous abortion (pooled OR 1.90 (95% CI: 1.38–2.60)), and pelvic inflammatory disease (pooled OR 2.14 (95% CI: 1.31–3.49)). A non-significant association was found with infertility (pooled OR 2.43 (95% CI: 0.93–6.34)), which increased in magnitude and significance after excluding an outlying study. There was low/moderate heterogeneity in all analyses and no significant publication bias. <bold>Conclusions</bold>: <italic>M. genitalium</italic> was associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. Screening high-risk women may be warranted.