Aims: Mycoplasma hominis has today been described as an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium in the human genital and it is not possible to detect infection by culture, molecular and serological methods because of genetic changes and surface antigens of the bacterium. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of indirect immunofluorescence method for the detection of infection caused by this organism.
Materials & Methods: A total of 300 serum and vaginal discharge samples were collected from patients referred to Sarem Hospital. Antibody titer against Mycoplasma hominis in human serum samples were measured using an indirect immunofluorescence kit and the presence of bacteria in vaginal discharge was assessed by two methods of culture and real-time PCR.
Findings: Of the 300 samples tested, 36 cases (12%) were detected by culture and real-time PCR. Indirect immunofluorescence method showed false negative results in 19 cases and false positive results in 41 cases compared to the reference method. Therfore the sensitivity and specificity of this method were 47% and 85.5%, respectively.
Conclusion: Indirect immunofluorescence method is not suitable for screening purposes due to its low sensitivity and for the detection of Mycoplasma hominis infection, it is necessary to employ sensitive molecular methods such as real-time PCR.

Keywords: Mycoplasma hominis, Bacterial Vaginosis, Genital, Infection, Immunofluorescence, PPLO, Real-Time PCR

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