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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
Development and Testing of Species-specific Quantitative PCR Assays for Environmental DNA Applications
Published on: November 5, 2020
Detection of Ureaplasma Species by a Semi-Quantitative PCR Test in Urine Samples: Can It Predict Clinical
Merav Strauss1, Raul Colodner1,2, Dana Sagas1
1Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.
Background:
Ureaplasma species (Usp) are the most prevalent genital Mycoplasma isolated from the urogenital tract of both men and women. Usp may be commensals in the genital tract but may also be contributors to a number of pathological conditions of the genital tract. Because they can also just colonize the genital tract of healthy people, their pathogenic role can be difficult to prove.
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for the discrimination between infection and colonization by measuring prevalence of Usp in asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients.
Methods:
Urine samples were tested for U. parvum and U. urealyticum using a semi-quantitative multiplex PCR technique for sexually transmitted diseases (Anyplex™ STI-7 Detection Kit, Seegene, South Korea). A total of 250 symptomatic and 250 asymptomatic controls were included.
Results:
A strong positive result for U. parvum was significantly more prevalent in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic patients. This finding was observed especially in women and in the young group (15-35 years of age). No significant differences were observed between the prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients of U. parvum with low strength of positivity and for U. urealyticum in all groups by age, gender, and strength of positivity.
Conclusions:
The significant difference between the symptomatic and asymptomatic group in the highest positivity group for U. parvum using the Anyplex™ STI-7 detection kit in urine may indicate a high probability of infection rather than colonization, especially in women and young patients.
Insights
A quantitative PCR test shows Ureaplasma parvum is more common in symptomatic individuals, suggesting infection over colonization, particularly in young women. This helps differentiate Ureaplasma infection from asymptomatic colonization.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genitourinary Medicine
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Ureaplasma species (Usp) are common genital Mycoplasma, potentially causing urogenital tract pathologies.
- Distinguishing Usp infection from colonization is challenging due to asymptomatic carriage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess a quantitative PCR method for differentiating Ureaplasma infection from colonization.
- To compare Usp prevalence in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples from 250 symptomatic and 250 asymptomatic individuals were analyzed.
- A multiplex PCR technique (Anyplex™ STI-7) was used to detect U. parvum and U. urealyticum.
Main Results:
- Strongly positive U. parvum results were significantly more frequent in symptomatic patients, especially young women (15-35 years).
- No significant differences in U. parvum (low positivity) or U. urealyticum prevalence were found between groups.
Conclusions:
- High U. parvum positivity in symptomatic patients suggests a higher likelihood of infection rather than colonization.
- This qPCR approach may aid in diagnosing Ureaplasma infections, particularly in women and younger populations.
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