At least 15 species of Mycoplasma are of human origin, and five are of primary importance. Which of the following organisms normally inhabits the female genital tract and is strongly associated with salpingitis and ovarian abscesses?
**Core Concept**
Mycoplasmas are a group of bacteria that lack a cell wall, and they are known to be associated with various human diseases. The five primary species of Mycoplasma of human origin are M. pneumoniae, M. genitalium, M. hominis, M. fermentans, and M. penetrans.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Mycoplasma genitalium is a fastidious, sexually transmitted bacterium that is commonly found in the human genital tract, particularly in women. It is strongly associated with nongonococcal urethritis in men and with various reproductive tract infections in women, including salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes) and ovarian abscesses. M. genitalium is thought to cause these infections by invading the epithelial cells lining the genital tract and inducing an inflammatory response.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** M. pneumoniae is primarily associated with respiratory tract infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia, and is not typically found in the female genital tract.
**Option B:** M. hominis is a common inhabitant of the human genital tract, but it is not strongly associated with salpingitis and ovarian abscesses.
**Option C:** M. fermentans is a opportunistic pathogen that can cause a variety of infections, including in immunocompromised individuals, but it is not specifically associated with the female genital tract or the conditions mentioned.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Mycoplasma genitalium is a significant cause of nongonococcal urethritis in men and of reproductive tract infections in women, and it is often resistant to multiple antibiotics, making it a challenging organism to treat.
**Correct Answer:** B. M. hominis