Development of molecular methods for typing and AMR prediction of Mycoplasma genitalium: an emerging highly drug-resistant sexually transmitted infection

Funding period: 2023–2025
Leads: Shelley Peterson and Irene Martin
Total GRDI funding: $438,400

Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is a widespread but little-known bacterial pathogen with symptoms ranging from urethritis to pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm birth and female infertility.

Objectives of this project:

•  Develop culture-independent methodologies for whole genome sequencing from Mgen urine and swab specimens within Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory
• Establish and validate phenotypic antimicrobial resistance testing to correlate phenotypic minimum inhibitory concentrations with genotypic profiles
• Use the data collected to create algorithms for predicting antimicrobial resistance in Mgen and for molecular genotyping (e.g. multilocus sequence typing)

These molecular approaches will allow for enhanced surveillance without the need for the isolation and phenotypic testing of Mgen. Furthermore, this technology could be applied to routine testing and position Canada as global leader in monitoring Mgen strains and predicting antimicrobial resistance.