High prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection and macrolide resistance in patients enrolled in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program

Abstract

Objectives: Limited data on Mycoplasma genitalium infection has been reported among PrEP users. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and macrolide resistance of M. genitalium infection among enrollees in a French PrEP program.

Patients and methods: M. genitalium infection screening was systematically and prospectively proposed to patients of the Bordeaux PrEP program (between January 2016 and February 2017). Macrolide resistance was evaluated in M. genitalium-positive patients.

Results: Among 89 clients, M. genitalium infection prevalence was 10% (mainly asymptomatic) with a high rate of macrolide resistance (58%).

Conclusions: Because of a high level of macrolide resistance, a systematic search for M. genitalium macrolide resistance associated-mutations may be recommended in PrEP users before initiating the antibiotic therapy.

Keywords: Macrolides; Mycoplasma genitalium; Pre-exposure prophylaxis; Prophylaxie pré-exposition.