Background Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) has been identified over the past decade as an aetiological agent of non-gonococci cervicitis in women. A multinational study in among female sex workers in West Africa which included Kumasi and Accra Ghana established Mycoplasma genitalium prevalence of 26.3%. The literature is however silent on prevalence of MG among women in the general population in Ghana. This study sought to determine the current state of affair in women patronising Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Clinic in Kumasi, Ghana.

Methods Specimens for DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) determination, were collected from the vagina and the cervix of 300 women: 150 sex workers (SW) and 150 non-sex workers (NSW), attending Suntreso STI Clinic in Kumasi for the first time, with complaint of vaginal discharge. Socio demographic characteristics of the women, symptoms and signs were recorded. Associations of factors with Mycoplasma genitalium were recorded and adjusted for other risk factors.

Results Ten (10) out of the 300 women representing 3.3% (10/300), were found to have Mycoplasma genitalium; p = 0.000, OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07–0.87, X2 = 0.27. Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in female sex workers was higher (4.7%, 7/150) than non-sex workers (2.0%, 3/150). Younger age (15–29 years, 5.4%, 9/167) was found to be the strongest predictor of Mycoplasma genitalium.

Conclusion The study confirms Mycoplasma genitalium as an aetiological agent of vaginal discharge in women in Kumasi Ghana, conforming to other studies in West Africa with lower prevalence rate. It is possible that the actual rate, in the general population may be low as indicated by even lower rate among high-risk group like sex workers. Further study with larger sample size at the population level is required to guide the course of management.