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Short abstract:

Mycoplasma genitalium has become a modern concern, thanks to the availability of genetic tests, not licensed in all countries. Yet, the bacteria is now resistant and we explore their articulation with the history of gonorrhoea and chlamydia, developing a theory of geographical microbiology.

Long abstract:

Mycoplasma genitalium reproduces slowly so traditional cultures take at least six weeks. Modern concern about the bacteria has largely followed availability of genetic tests, which are still not licensed in many countries. This paper explores the articulation of these bacteria with the history of Neisseria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachoma exploring cross-national comparisons including research and guidelines in Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom (UK), and Europe more broadly, showing how these proceed according to the particular regions in which bacteria have been treated, and the different ways in which they responded. It is also worth noting that Mycoplasma genitalium, gonorrhoea and chlamydia often appear together, meaning treatment of one may affect both treatment and resistance of other bacteria. This means there is an intrinsic link between the ‘histories’ of the different bacteria, and the ways in which treatment for one may affect or reduce the effectiveness of treatment for another. This is one of the few cases of an organism being discovered to be resistant when no treatment was being applied to it, and where convenient disciplinary treatment affected different rates of resistance at the global level. Here we look at the incommensurability between different environments, social and cultural situations and the bacteria in particular groups across the world, drawing attention to ways in which to accept that these things are different and highlight that in the particular studies and guidelines that are enacted.