Application of quantitative multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for identification of causative agents of urinary tract infections in pregnancy

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent the most common bacterial infections and often complicate pregnancy. UTIs in pregnancy are classified by site of bacterial proliferation as follows: asymptomatic bacteriuria, cystitis, pyelonephritis. Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria is a standard of obstetrical care and is included in most international guidelines. The urine microbiologic culture is considered the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of UTIs. Molecular methods enable to rapidly detect, identify and quantitate causative agents of UTIs in urine and are effective alternative to traditional bacteriological methods.