Introduction of a complementary screening system for the detection of sexually transmitted infections in patients with sterile pyuria

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate a complementary screening system for the detection of sexually transmitted infections in patients with sterile pyuria. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted using Real-time multiplex qPCR in 300 consecutive urine samples with data on sterile pyuria. STI prevalence and patient epidemiological data were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 29 positive cases (9.67%) were found: 16 Chlamydia trachomatis, 5 Mycoplasma genitalium, 5 Trichomonas vaginalis and 3 co-infections. The group with sexually transmitted infections was mainly composed of women (65.5%), of which one third was pregnant. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents an effective screening system for the detection of sexually transmitted infections that can be integrated into the laboratories' work routine.