MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM TESTING: A VICTIM OF TENDERING AND COVID?

ABSTRACT

Introduction Mycoplasma Genitalium is a relative newcomer to sexual health clinics;but is testing now routinely embedded in practice? In a clinic victim to a traumatic tendering process and then to the pandemic, a full audit cycle revealed the truth and some unexpected findings. Methods 1. Patient list based on GUMCAD codes for Mycoplasma Genitalium, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Non-specific urethritis, epididymo-orchitis. Cycle 1 looked retrospectively at March-August 2021 (6 months) comparing findings to BASHH standards. 2. Intervention Presentation of audit findings and a teaching session on Mycoplasma Genitalium 3. Retrospective second cycle audit looking at October 2021- January 2022 (3 months). Results Cycle 1 • 53 patients tested. Of the 11 women tested, 9 were mycoplasma contacts. • 41% NSU and 10% PID presentations were tested • 14 cases positive (26%), 25% had test of cures Cycle 2 • 68 patients tested. • 64% NSU and 46% PID presentations tested • 12 cases positive (18%), 100% contacted for test of cure. Other findings • Testing is dependent on clinician Nurses met guidelines in 100% of patients, GUM doctors 64% and GP Trainees 50%. Health advisors contacted 100% of patients for test of cures. • No routine resistance testing provided, but 17% had documented resistance, 33% clinical resistance Discussion Mycoplasma was overlooked with tendering and covid no doubt playing a part. This audit highlighted the deficiencies, but interventions improved testing;nurses effectively adopting it into routine practice whilst uptake from doctors was limited. Resistance levels are concerning and support the need for routine resistance testing.