Experts are warning that a little-known sexually transmitted infection could become a superbug.
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) often has no symptoms but can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can leave some women infertile.
MG, which currently
Experts are warning that a little-known sexually transmitted infection could become a superbug.
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) often has no symptoms but can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can leave some women infertile.
MG, which currently affects one in 100 people, could also develop a resistance to antibiotics.
Experts say a lack of test kits means it is regularly confused with chlamydia and treated with incorrect doses of antibiotics. This could build up dangerous antibiotic resistance which could see it soon become untreatable.
As a result, the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) has issued new NICE-approved guidelines to prevent an explosion of infection rates.
Paddy Horner, spokesman for the BASHH, said: “We can’t afford to continue with the approach we have followed for the past 15 years as this will undoubtedly lead to a public health emergency with the emergence of MG as a superbug.
“We are asking the government directly to make this funding available to prevent a public health emergency waiting to happen and which is already spiralling out of control.”
Dr Peter Greenhouse, sexual consultant in Bristol and BASHH member said: “It’s about time the public learned about mycoplasma genitalium.
“Without the funds to diagnose MG properly, or the ability for people to get to clinics for checkups, we’ll never get on top of this infection.”