Detection of the sexually transmissible genital mycoplasmas by polymerase chain reaction in women.

BACKGROUND: The role of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium in the development of clinical disorders is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine their prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic women. METHODS: A total of 348 women were examined by applying polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. RESULTS: The registered prevalence was as follows: U. urealyticum 14.66%; M. hominis 3.16%; and M. genitalium 0.29%. Co-infection was established in 11 swabs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Bulgaria for the detection of mycoplasmas by PCR. Our results demonstrate similar or lower values in comparison with other researchers and further investigations are needed.