Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium among Fertile and Infertile Women at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano

Abstract

Study’s Excerpt • Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium IgG antibodies in fertile versus infertile women was investigated. • The findings revealed a counterintuitive higher seroprevalence among fertile women. • The results reveal no significant correlation between infection and various demographic or behavioral risk factors. Full Abstract Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen with potential implications for reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate and compare the seroprevalence of M. genitalium among fertile and infertile women to provide insights into its potential association with fertility outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a total of 90 women, including 31 fertile and 59 infertile women. Serum samples were collected and tested for the presence of M. genitalium-IgG antibodies using ELISA detection techniques. Data on demographic characteristics, including age and education, were also collected. Prevalence rates of M. genitalium-IgG antibodies were calculated for both fertile and infertile groups, and a comparative analysis was performed. The seroprevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium-IgG antibodies was higher among fertile women (90.3%) compared to infertile women (84.7%). The largest age group was 25–29 years, representing 33.3% of participants, with 18 (20.0%) infertile and 12 (13.3%) fertile women. The majority of participants had secondary education. Risk factors, including sharing innerwear, type of toilet, awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, number of sexual partners, and family setting, showed no statistically significant associations with the presence of M. genitalium IgG (p > 0.05). The study revealed a notably higher seroprevalence of M. genitalium-IgG antibodies among fertile women compared to infertile women and recorded the non-significant association between M. genitalium infection and possible risk factors observed.

Keywords

• Mycoplasma genitalium
• seroprevalence
• fertility
• infertility
• IgG antibodies