Multiplex Real-Time PCR-Based Rapid Detection of STI Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Prevalent Strains in Tribal Women of District Anuppur Madhya Pradesh.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens poses a persistent challenge, with resistant strains emerging even as new antibiotics are introduced. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of STI pathogens and antibiotic resistance level in tribal women. Materials and Methods: Endocervical swab samples were collected from 110 women (aged ≤ 55). Multiplex real-time PCR was performed for the simultaneous detection of 08 STI pathogens in the target population. AST of commonly prescribed antibiotics was performed against most prevalent pathogens by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics version 20.0. Results: Out of 110, 85.45% of samples tested positive for at least one of the targeted eight STI pathogens. The most common pathogen was detected as Mycoplasma hominis in 67.27% samples followed by Ureaplasma urealyticum (59.09%), Ureaplasma parvum (33.64%), Trichomonas vaginalis(19.14%), Herpes simplex virus 1 & 2,(13.64%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (8.18%), Mycoplasma genitalium (7.27%), and Chlamydia trachomatis (5.45%). The STIs were more prevalent in age groups 36-41. The antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) results showed that the multidrug-resistant (MDR) rate for Mycoplasma spp. was 100%, and that of Ureaplasma spp. was 45%. Conclusion: The present study showed high frequency of STIs and antibiotic resistance in tribal populations. Real-time PCR is a vital tool for rapidly and accurately detecting STI pathogens, aiding in early and efficient diagnosis for better treatment outcomes. The alarming resistance patterns highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and updated clinical guidelines to effectively address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma spp. in this region.