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HelpTest ID MHRP Mycoplasma hominis, Molecular Detection, PCR
Useful For
Rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of Mycoplasma hominis from synovial fluid, genitourinary, reproductive, lower respiratory sources, pleural/chest fluid, pericardial fluid, and wound specimens
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Using LightCycler and
Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche
Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Mycoplasma hominis PCRSpecimen Type
VariesThe high sensitivity of amplification by PCR requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Mycoplasma hominis DNA is not likely.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf).
Specimen source is required.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Cervix, urethra, urogenital, vaginal, chest/mediastinal; bronchus (donor swab); upper respiratory sources (only infants <3 months: nasopharynx, nose, throat)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Culture swab transport system (Dacron or rayon swab with aluminum or plastic shaft with either Stuart or Amies liquid medium)
Acceptable: Swab in transport media: M4, M5 (Supply T484), universal transport media, or ESwab
Specimen Volume: 1 swab
Collection Instructions:
Vaginal:
1. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over mucosa surface to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Place swab back into swab cylinder.
Urethra or Cervical:
1. Collect specimen by inserting swab 1 to 3 cm and rotating 360 degrees.
2. Place swab back into swab cylinder.
Wound:
1. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over wound surface to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Place swab back into swab cylinder.
Specimen Type: Fluid
Sources: Pelvic fluid, amniotic fluid, prostatic secretions, semen, reproductive drainage or fluid, synovial fluid, pleural/chest fluid, chest tube fluid, pericardial fluid, sputum, tracheal secretions, bronchial washings, bronchoalveolar lavage, lung; nasal washings (only infants <3 months)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Sterile container
Acceptable: Container with 3 mL of transport media: M4, M5 (Supply T484), or universal transport media
Specimen Volume: 1-2 mL
Specimen Type: Urine, kidney/bladder stone, ureter
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 10 mL or entire specimen
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Placenta, products of conception, respiratory, bronchus, chest/mediastinal, bone, joint
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5 mm(3)
Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue.
Specimen Type: EDTA plasma
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA aliquot
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Fluid: 1 mL; Plasma, Whole Blood: 1 mL; Urine: 2 mL; Swab: 1 swab; Tissue: 5 mm(3)
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Mycoplasma hominis has been associated with a number of clinically significant infections, although it is also part of the normal genital flora.
Mycoplasma hominis may be found in the respiratory specimens and spinal fluid of neonates. Although the clinical significance of such findings is often unclear, as spontaneous clinical recovery may occur without specific treatment, in premature infants, clinical manifestations of meningoencephalitis have been reported.
Mycoplasma hominis may play a role in some cases of pelvic inflammatory disease, usually in combination with other organisms. Mycoplasma hominis may be isolated from amniotic fluid of women with preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous term labor, or chorioamnionitis; there is evidence that it may be involved in postpartum fever or fever following abortion, usually as a complication of endometritis.
Mycoplasma hominis has rarely been associated with septic arthritis (including prosthetic joint infection), pyelonephritis, intraabdominal infection, wound infection, endocarditis, central nervous system infection (including meningoencephalitis, brain abscess, central nervous system shunt infection and subdural empyema), pneumonia, and infected pleural and pericardial effusions. Extragenital infection typically occurs in those with hypogammaglobulinemia or depressed cell-mediated immunity; in lung transplant recipients in particular, Mycoplasma hominis has been associated with pleuritis and mediastinitis. Recent evidence implicates donor transmission in some cases of Mycoplasma hominis infection in lung transplant recipients.
PCR detection of Mycoplasma hominis is sensitive, specific, and provides same-day results. Although this organism can occasionally be detected in routine plate cultures, this is neither a rapid nor a sensitive approach to detection. Specialized cultures are more time consuming than the described PCR assay. The described PCR assay has replaced conventional culture for Mycoplasma hominis at Mayo Medical Laboratories due to its speed and equivalent performance to culture.
Reference Values
Not applicable
Cautions
Interfering substances may affect the accuracy of this assay; results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and epidemiological findings
Since Mycoplasma hominis may be part of the normal flora, results should be interpreted accordingly.
This test does not detect other mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas (including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common cause of community acquired pneumonia).
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798