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The ‘silent superbug’ that’s got health experts worried–and why it matters to every Australian family

Health & Wellness

The ‘silent superbug’ that’s got health experts worried–and why it matters to every Australian family

Screenshot 2025-08-27 at 22.59.03.png The ‘silent superbug’ that’s got health experts worried–and why it matters to every Australian family
When health experts start using words like 'superbug' and 'nightmare to get rid of', it's time to sit up and pay attention – especially when this infection affects up to 13% of Australians and is becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Image source: Youtube.

When health experts start using words like 'superbug' and 'nightmare to get rid of', it's time to sit up and pay attention.



That's exactly what's happening with Mycoplasma genitalium, a sexually transmitted infection that most Australians have never heard of—but one that's causing serious headaches for our healthcare system.



While you might think this is just another health concern for younger generations, the reality is that between 2.1 per cent and 13 per cent of Australians are affected by this infection, depending on the population tested, and the implications stretch far beyond individual health to affect families and our entire healthcare system.



In this article



Why this 'invisible' infection affects everyone



Mycoplasma genitalium affects approximately 1 per cent of young adults aged 18-27, but rises to 15-25 per cent in men with symptomatic conditions and up to 15 per cent of women with pelvic inflammatory disease. But here's what makes this particularly concerning for Australian families: the infection is largely silent.









The majority of people infected with Mycoplasma genitalium show no symptoms, meaning infected individuals often don't know they're carrying it. This creates a ripple effect through relationships and families, potentially affecting reproductive health and requiring complex, expensive treatments when finally detected.




'It's transmitted in the same ways as chlamydia, and it causes similar symptoms, but it acquires antibiotic resistance very easily'

Prof Catriona Bradshaw, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre



The superbug reality: Why treatment has become so difficult



What makes Mycoplasma genitalium truly alarming isn't just its prevalence—it's how resistant it's become to standard treatments. In Australia, azithromycin resistance now exceeds 60 per cent in most cases and reaches as high as 80 per cent in some populations.









To put this in perspective, when a first-line antibiotic fails 6-8 times out of 10, we're dealing with a genuine medical crisis. This widespread resistance has prompted doctors to shift towards alternative treatments like moxifloxacin, but resistance to this backup option is also emerging.





The personal stories shared online paint a stark picture of this treatment challenge. Patients report needing multiple rounds of different antibiotics, suffering serious side effects, and in some cases, being unable to clear the infection despite repeated treatment attempts.



The testing dilemma: Why doctors don't recommend routine screening



Here's where the situation becomes particularly complex—and where understanding the medical reasoning becomes crucial for families trying to navigate healthcare decisions.









Current clinical guidelines explicitly state that routine testing for Mycoplasma genitalium is not recommended, with testing only advised for symptomatic patients or those who've had contact with known infected individuals.




Medicare Coverage for Mycoplasma genitalium Testing


Testing for Mycoplasma genitalium is covered by Medicare when:


• Requested by a doctor for symptomatic patients


• Part of contact tracing after exposure to infected partner


• Performed at bulk-billing GP clinics, sexual health centres, or Aboriginal Medical Services


The pathology component is generally bulk-billed, though there may be consultation fees at private practices.




This might seem counterintuitive—why wouldn't we test for a potentially serious infection? The answer lies in understanding the broader public health implications.



Current guidelines discourage screening because of rising antimicrobial resistance and the complexities associated with treatment. Mathematical modelling shows that expanding screening beyond symptomatic individuals could reduce overall infection rates but would likely increase the prevalence of drug-resistant strains.









Australia's innovative approach: Leading the world in smart treatment



Despite the challenges, Australia is actually at the forefront of managing this superbug effectively. In 2013, Australia introduced a resistance-guided therapy strategy, making it one of the first countries to implement this approach.



Did you know?


Did you know?
Australia's resistance-guided therapy approach, introduced in 2013, involves testing the specific strain of Mycoplasma genitalium to determine which antibiotics will be most effective before starting treatment. This targeted approach significantly improves cure rates and helps prevent further resistance development.



The costs for this approach are calculated based on Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule rates, and research shows it's cost-effective. The resistance-guided approach actually saves money in the healthcare system while improving patient outcomes.



What this means for Australian families



While Mycoplasma genitalium primarily affects sexually active individuals, its impact extends to families in several important ways:











  • Healthcare system strain: The complexity of treating resistant infections puts pressure on specialist services and increases healthcare costs for everyone.
  • Reproductive health implications: The infection can cause serious reproductive tract complications including infertility and pregnancy complications, affecting family planning across generations.
  • Informed healthcare decisions: Understanding why doctors make certain recommendations about testing helps families navigate healthcare conversations more effectively.




Key Takeaways: Why routine testing isn't always better



  • Testing without symptoms can identify infections that might not need treatment

  • Unnecessary treatment accelerates antibiotic resistance

  • Current approach focuses resources on those most likely to benefit

  • Resistance-guided therapy provides better outcomes when treatment is needed




Supporting family members and understanding prevention



For families concerned about this issue, the focus should be on supporting informed healthcare decisions rather than demanding specific tests. Healthcare providers emphasise education about safe practices, regular appropriate screening based on individual risk factors, and open communication about sexual health.



STI testing, including for Mycoplasma genitalium when medically indicated, is free at bulk-billing GP clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and sexual health clinics for those with Medicare cards.



The bigger picture: Public health in action



This situation offers a valuable lesson in how modern public health decisions are made. Rather than simply testing everyone for everything, health authorities weigh multiple factors: individual benefit, community impact, healthcare resource allocation, and long-term consequences.



The approach recognises that laboratories and healthcare providers have a responsibility as 'diagnostic stewards' to ensure testing provides genuine clinical benefit and doesn't create problems of uncertain value.



The Mycoplasma genitalium challenge demonstrates that sometimes the most responsible approach involves restraint—testing smartly rather than testing broadly, and treating strategically rather than reactively.



What This Means For You


Understanding complex health issues like Mycoplasma genitalium helps us all become better healthcare consumers and more informed family members. While we might not be directly affected, supporting evidence-based approaches to public health challenges benefits everyone in our community.



What questions do you have about how public health decisions affect your family's healthcare options? Have you encountered situations where understanding the 'why' behind medical recommendations helped you make better healthcare decisions?





  • Original Article


    https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/h...8d6f940000fed83fd945b9da4f1ea2?from=rss-basic





  • Mycoplasma genitalium in the Far North Queensland backpacker population: An observational study of prevalence and azithromycin resistance—PMC

    Cited text: In Australia, the prevalence of M. genitalium rages from 2.1—13 per cent depending on the population tested [3—6].


    Excerpt: the reality is that between 2.1 per cent and 13 per cent of Australians are affected by this infection, depending on the population tested



    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6112622/





  • The Rise in STIs Post-COVID | Clinical Labs—Australian Clinical Labs

    Cited text: The prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in young adults (18-27 years old) is estimated to be approximately 1 per cent, but is as high as 15-25 per cent in men with sy...


    Excerpt: Mycoplasma genitalium affects approximately 1 per cent of young adults aged 18-27, but rises to 15-25 per cent in men with symptomatic conditions and up to 15 per cent of women with pelvic inflammatory disease



    https://www.clinicallabs.com.au/about-us/doctor-media-releases/the-rise-in-stis-post-covid/





  • Mycoplasma genitalium Management in Adults—NCBI Bookshelf

    Cited text: Diagnosis was difficult until molecular tests, such as NAAT, became available.


    Excerpt: The majority of people infected with Mycoplasma genitalium show no symptoms



    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583532/





  • The Rise in STIs Post-COVID | Clinical Labs—Australian Clinical Labs

    Cited text: In Australia, the current resistance rate of azithromycin exceeds 60 per cent in the majority of cases and is even as high as 80 per cent in the MSM population.


    Excerpt: In Australia, azithromycin resistance now exceeds 60 per cent in most cases and reaches as high as 80 per cent in some populations



    https://www.clinicallabs.com.au/about-us/doctor-media-releases/the-rise-in-stis-post-covid/





  • The Rise in STIs Post-COVID | Clinical Labs—Australian Clinical Labs

    Cited text: Azithromycin (macrolide) resistance is widespread, prompting a shift towards alternative regimens like moxifloxacin. However, resistance to moxifloxac...


    Excerpt: This widespread resistance has prompted doctors to shift towards alternative treatments like moxifloxacin, but resistance to this backup option is also emerging



    https://www.clinicallabs.com.au/about-us/doctor-media-releases/the-rise-in-stis-post-covid/





  • Mycoplasma genitalium Management in Adults—NCBI Bookshelf

    Cited text: M. genitalium bacteria have no cell wall and can take months to grow in culture; thus, traditional methods of diagnosis with gram stain or culture are...


    Excerpt: Current clinical guidelines explicitly state that routine testing for Mycoplasma genitalium is not recommended, with testing only advised for symptomatic patients or those who've had contact with known infected individuals



    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583532/





  • Mycoplasma genitalium Management in Adults—NCBI Bookshelf

    Cited text: The specimen and site of optim


    Excerpt: Current clinical guidelines explicitly state that routine testing for Mycoplasma genitalium is not recommended, with testing only advised for symptomatic patients or those who've had contact with known infected individuals



    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583532/





  • Impact of screening on the prevalence and incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium and its macrolide resistance in men who have sex with men living in Australia: A mathematical model—eClinicalMedicine

    Cited text: Current international and national guidelines discourage screening of asymptomatic MSM for MG due to limited knowledge regarding the natural history o...


    Excerpt: Current guidelines discourage screening because of rising antimicrobial resistance and the complexities associated with treatment.



    https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00059-6/fulltext





  • Impact of screening on the prevalence and incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium and its macrolide resistance in men who have sex with men living in Australia: A mathematical model—eClinicalMedicine

    Cited text: Our dynamic transmission model of MG calibrated to data from MSM in Melbourne provides further evidence to support these recommendations and their con...


    Excerpt: Current guidelines discourage screening because of rising antimicrobial resistance and the complexities associated with treatment.



    https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00059-6/fulltext





  • Paying for diagnostic testing | healthdirect

    Cited text: Medicare covers the costs of most pathology tests.


    Excerpt: In 2013, Australia introduced a resistance-guided therapy strategy, making it one of the first countries to implement this approach



    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/paying-for-diagnostic-testing





  • Paying for diagnostic testing | healthdirect

    Cited text: These tests can be expensive.


    Excerpt: In 2013, Australia introduced a resistance-guided therapy strategy, making it one of the first countries to implement this approach



    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/paying-for-diagnostic-testing





  • Paying for diagnostic testing | healthdirect

    Cited text: Usually, the doctor ordering the tests will explain if there will be a cost involved.


    Excerpt: The costs for this approach are calculated based on Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule rates



    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/paying-for-diagnostic-testing





  • Paying for diagnostic testing | healthdirect

    Cited text: ...


    Excerpt: The resistance-guided approach actually saves money in the healthcare system while improving patient outcomes



    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/paying-for-diagnostic-testing





  • Mycoplasma genitalium | STI Guidelines Australia

    Cited text: Mycoplasma genitalium infection and female reproductive tract disease: a meta-analysis.


    Excerpt: The infection can cause serious reproductive tract complications including infertility and pregnancy complications



    https://sti.guidelines.org.au/sexually-transmissible-infections/mycoplasma-genitalium/





  • Mycoplasma genitalium | STI Guidelines Australia

    Cited text: Symptoms, Sites, and Significance of Mycoplasma genitalium in Men Who Have Sex with Men. Emerg Infect Dis 2019;25:719-27.


    Excerpt: The infection can cause serious reproductive tract complications including infertility and pregnancy complications



    https://sti.guidelines.org.au/sexually-transmissible-infections/mycoplasma-genitalium/





  • Should we routinely test for Mycoplasma genitalium when testing for other sexually transmitted infections? | The Medical Journal of Australia

    Cited text: 2.


    Excerpt: Healthcare providers emphasise education about safe practices, regular appropriate screening based on individual risk factors, and open communication about sexual health



    https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2020...plasma-genitalium-when-testing-other-sexually





  • Item 73072 | Medicare Benefits Schedule

    Cited text: Medicare Benefits Schedule · Search Results for Item 73072


    Excerpt: STI testing, including for Mycoplasma genitalium when medically indicated, is free at bulk-billing GP clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and sexual health clinics for those with Medicare cards



    https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&qt=ItemID&q=73072





  • Item 73072 | Medicare Benefits Schedule

    Cited text:


    Excerpt: STI testing, including for Mycoplasma genitalium when medically indicated, is free at bulk-billing GP clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and sexual health clinics for those with Medicare cards



    https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&qt=ItemID&q=73072





  • Mycoplasma genitalium Management in Adults—NCBI Bookshelf

    Cited text: 2013;8(4):e61481.


    Excerpt: The approach recognises that laboratories and healthcare providers have a responsibility as 'diagnostic stewards' to ensure testing provides genuine clinical benefit and doesn't create problems of uncertain value



    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583532/





  • Standard Asymptomatic Checkup | STI Guidelines Australia

    Cited text: 2016;2016:5758387.


    Excerpt: The approach recognises that laboratories and healthcare providers have a responsibility as 'diagnostic stewards' to ensure testing provides genuine clinical benefit and doesn't create problems of uncertain value



    https://sti.guidelines.org.au/standard-asymptomatic-checkup/





  • Standard Asymptomatic Checkup | STI Guidelines Australia

    Cited text: STI in times of PrEP: high prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and mycoplasma at different anatomic sites in men who have sex with men in Germany.


    Excerpt: The approach recognises that laboratories and healthcare providers have a responsibility as 'diagnostic stewards' to ensure testing provides genuine clinical benefit and doesn't create problems of uncertain value



    https://sti.guidelines.org.au/standard-asymptomatic-checkup/



Last edited:

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Has anyone googled the patent for this?
 
How to Find More Information
You can search for patents related to Mycoplasma genitalium on patent databases like: Google Patents, PubChem, and Justia Patents. There is patents. And that means it was created in a laboratory, which means someone/s going to make a lot of money, just like all the other diseases under the Sun. C’mon people, do get to know your stuff.
 
It looks as though the good old penicillin needle mightn't be enough for this new bug.
In a way, I'm glad my "Hunting" days are over.
Just too many of these bad bugs around in todays world.
 
I was in hospital early and managed to catch a superbug, and no, I wasn’t playing doctors and nurses! That infection took 7 weeks and 6 courses of antiobotics. That was an incredible burden on the health system with two further trips to haspital then 10 days of three times a day having my home hospital visit me at home. There is a major issue with Superbugs but in part that can also be linked to overprescribing of antibiotics in general, and from an early age
 
But are they researching new ways to attack these super bugs as some have been around for a long time now so clearly need something new and very different to treat them!
 
How to Find More Information
You can search for patents related to Mycoplasma genitalium on patent databases like: Google Patents, PubChem, and Justia Patents. There is patents. And that means it was created in a laboratory, which means someone/s going to make a lot of money, just like all the other diseases under the Sun. C’mon people, do get to know your stuff.
FYI do your research before dribbling and fear mongering..its people like you that CAUSE problems through uneducated assumptions! It WAS NOT created by man! It is a naturally ocurring pathogen and scientists synthesised the genome in a lab, there is the BIG DIFFERENCE!
 
It looks as though the good old penicillin needle mightn't be enough for this new bug.
In a way, I'm glad my "Hunting" days are over.
Just too many of these bad bugs around in todays world.
It may in fact end up being a way to contain the worlds alarming population rate?
 
What in hell has a "patent" got to do with Mycoplasma genitalium? You can't patent a micro-organism unless it is isolated or genetically modified.

Additionally, there is no evidence of Mycoplasma genitalium being synthetically produced in the laboratory, however, a genome was artificially produced in 2007. A genome is complete set of DNA instructions within an organism or cell, enabling its functioning and existence, not the whole organism.


 
FYI do your research before dribbling and fear mongering..its people like you that CAUSE problems through uneducated assumptions! It WAS NOT created by man! It is a naturally ocurring pathogen and scientists synthesised the genome in a lab, there is the BIG DIFFERENCE!
There is a patent for every disease known to man, which means it was created in a laboratory. Even the big C. Look it up.
 
FYI do your research before dribbling and fear mongering..its people like you that CAUSE problems through uneducated assumptions! It WAS NOT created by man! It is a naturally ocurring pathogen and scientists synthesised the genome in a lab, there is the BIG DIFFERENCE!
Every time something is mentioned about superbugs, bird flu, etc etc you get the fear mongers, conspiracy theorists, anti vaxer's, etc
No actual scientific proof, just some gobblydook they've read by some unqualified idiot on the internet, or just feeding off other like minded peabrains down the same rabbit hole.
 
There is a patent for every disease known to man, which means it was created in a laboratory. Even the big C. Look it up.
Where do you get your misinformation from? The back of a Corn Flakes box?

Heard of the bubonic plague? For you information, that is a disease as well. 'The earliest record of it was the Yersinia pestis bacterium strain which was found in archaeological digs from about 3800 BC. Of course, clinical labs specialising in bacteria and viruses were in existence almost 5000 years ago! :ROFLMAO:
 
There is a patent for every disease known to man, which means it was created in a laboratory. Even the big C. Look it up.
There is a patent for every disease known to man, which means it was created in a laboratory. Even the big C. Look it up.
Why don't you try reading some scientific literature instead of Dr Suess's Book of Mysterious laboratory created diseases.
Sounds like you've also been reading the Beginners Manual of Conspiracy Theories.
There's some really good literature out there if you're really interested in finding it. Are you???? Mmmmm
 
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This is a really poor article. No description of the effects of the disease, no listing of symptoms, no listing of treatment. Waste of time reading it.
 

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