Mycoplasma hominis is a significant cause of genital infections and infertility among adults. Recently, we have explored for the first time the phylodistribution of Tunisian M. hominis clinical strains involved in distinct pathological conditions (genital infections and infertility). Owing to the development of an expanded multilocus sequence typing scheme, we have unambiguously elucidated the genetic relatedness of 65 M. hominis strains and their clear categorization into two distinct genetic lineages, with each corresponding to a specific pathotype. Such a clear dichotomy was supported by several phylogenetic and population genetic analysis tools (eBURST, Neighbor-Joining Tree, STRUCTURE). The general aim of this project is to gain further insight into the evolutionary dynamics and the specific genetic factors that distinguish M. hominis pathotypes. Genomic data analysis would highlight the potential selective pressures acting on M. hominis clonal evolution and adaptation to cause a particular clinical manifestation, which could aid in better prevention and treatment options for diseases, especially infertility.
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