Sexually transmitted diseases – Is MG a new Superbug?

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HIV, Syphilis, and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted – but this is Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG). “We need to take these pathogens very seriously, and we urgently need to act,” says Norbert Brockmeyer in the DW-Interview.

Syphilis is one of the well-known sexually transmitted diseases

DW:Professor Brockmeyer, MG a venereal disease, about which most of us know hardly anything. What is characteristic for this disease?

Norbert Brockmeyer: MG is a small bacterium, Mycoplasma genitalium. It is most comparable with chlamydia. Most of these infections are no real clinical symptoms. But it can also lead to a slightly watery vaginal discharge, or Burning in the urethra, itching. There is also redness occur, for example, in the mouth-throat area.

How is the Transmission?

It doesn’t have to always be sexual intercourse, simple, sexual contacts of the other kind are sufficient for an infection. This also includes Kissing. For MG, there are very many different routes of Transmission. We find the causative agent in up to 20 percent in people who have other sexually transmitted infections, or where there is a risk to get sexually transmitted infections. Especially in men who have Sex with other men, has increased the spread.

Professor Brock Meyer warns of sex disease MG

Why does the MG now?

We have dealt with this disease so far quite neglected. We have not diagnosed and not treated, because it was rare and because it rarely has serious symptoms. Now we have a high rate of Resistance. The bacteria react only to a few antibiotics. That’s why we need to take care of us. Here, we need to develop Doctors together with the patient a strategy. The society for sexual health (DSTIG).

We need to make us Worried about?

The Problem is that these infections can stay a long time. Even then, we don’t know exactly what consequences there may be. In the case of chlamydia, we know that the infection can lead to infertility. This is certainly also in the case of Mycoplasma. Chlamydia can induce also tumors. We have to do it with a strain that is quite serious and we are, and then once and properly treat must diagnose, so we use the Chance to eliminate him directly.

More: Sexually transmitted diseases: Syphilis by Dating Apps

Could infections be with MG to an epidemic?

We clearly have a Problem with the resistance, and here we have now a Super Bug, a pathogen that is virtually nothing more treatable. These problems are in MG now is significantly greater than in the case of gonorrhoea, for example. Thus, the risk of an epidemic.

What worries you the most?

The high resistance rates, and that these resistant pathogens continue to spread. The risk of infecting a Partner with MG infection is 60 percent. The treatment is difficult. In part, we have been in need of antibiotics, in Germany, are not available. You need to be introduced to a foreign pharmacy. The health insurance companies must approve the cost transfer. This is also a Problem that we must tackle.

What is the best protection?

The best protection is the condom, also for the woman, or leak wipes. If you know that you have this pathogen, you should inform the Partner or the Partner. You can also be treated and treated. Only in this way, the retransmission can be reduced, and by about 50 percent. Only if we notify the Partner or the Partner, we can rates of infection by break. We practice in Germany is still much too rare. The idea, if there are no symptoms, needs to be treated is a fallacy.

Professor Norbert Brock Meyer directs the center for sexual health and medicine in Bochum and is the President of the German STI society.

The Interview was conducted by Gudrun Heise.