PASS has launched a new contact tracing program to help mitigate the spread of Mycoplasma genitalium, or “Mgen,” within the adult industry. This initiative aims to target individuals at the highest risk of transmission, particularly given the reduced efficacy of typical Mgen testing and treatment methods.

Mgen Contact Tracing Program Details

The new contact tracing program requires all talent participating in PASS to be tested for Mgen by October 1. Performers who receive a positive Mgen result have the option to anonymously use a provided form to identify recent sexual partners. Following this, PASS will notify these potentially exposed individuals, offering assistance with testing and, if necessary, treatment.

Ian O’Brien, Executive Director of PASS, stated that the contact tracing program is crucial for performer protection. O'Brien noted that Mgen presents a complex challenge for the adult community, necessitating an aggressive approach to confront its spread. He added that PASS has a history of using contact tracing to identify, notify, and monitor individuals exposed to infectious diseases, but this new program represents an unprecedented scale. O'Brien expressed that with community cooperation, PASS can quantify and identify risk, leading to more effective Mgen treatment.

The contact tracing form is described as entirely anonymous and voluntary. Individuals with questions about the process or protocol can contact PASS at [email protected]. The form itself, titled "Mycoplasma genitalium 'Mgen' Contact Tracing Form," states that PASS utilizes contact tracing to identify, notify, and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to an infectious disease to prevent further infections. It specifies that adult industry performers diagnosed with an STI can use the form to provide information to help maintain industry safety. The form reiterates that participation is voluntary and the information provided is at the discretion of the user. The form contains 15 questions.

This contact tracing program builds upon recent guidance published by PASS.

Previous Mgen Initiatives

Prior to the launch of the contact tracing program, PASS initiated a no-cost STI testing and treatment pilot in Las Vegas. This program, launched on April 4, involved a partnership between Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) and Spankchain. The initiative aimed to provide screening and treatment for Mycoplasma genitalium infection to up to 1000 performers in the Las Vegas community at no cost.

The funding for this pilot was a significant gift from Spankchain, enabling PASS to offer no-cost Mgen testing and treatment at TBD Health for adult performers, models, and creators. Ian O’Brien, Executive Director of PASS, commented on the initiative, noting that recent evidence suggests Mgen may be more widespread than commonly understood, despite testing for it being uncommon. O'Brien highlighted the adult industry's historical leadership in sexual health and described the pilot as an innovative step to better understand Mgen's impact on the performer community. He also expressed gratitude to Spankchain for their generosity in funding the initiative.

Mgen is a bacterium transmitted through sexual contact, infecting the urinary and reproductive tracts. Symptoms can resemble those of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), including swelling, discharge, abdominal pain, painful urination, and pain during sex. Untreated Mgen can lead to more serious effects. A significant number of Mgen carriers are asymptomatic, which may contribute to its spread. While the infection is generally treatable with antibiotics, there is evidence of increasing antibiotic resistance. Out-of-pocket costs for Mgen tests are approximately $100, and due to its perceived rarity, tests are not routinely performed.

Key Facts

  • PASS launched a new contact tracing program for Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) on September 21.
  • All talent participating in PASS are required to be tested for Mgen by October 1.
  • Performers with a positive Mgen result can anonymously identify recent sexual partners via a form.
  • PASS will notify exposed individuals and assist with testing and treatment.
  • The program builds on previous guidance and an earlier no-cost Mgen testing pilot in Las Vegas.
  • Ian O’Brien is the Executive Director of PASS.