Molecular Detection and Identification of Bacteria in Urine Samples of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Pregnant Women by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify bacteria in urine samples of pregnant women of asymptomatic and symptomatic women by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This study aims to identify different strains of microbes causing urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: In the semi-quantitative culture technique, bacterial isolates such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Proteus were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing followed by BLAST analysis and phylogenetic tree formation. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was carried out to identify the specific strains of bacteria causing UTI. Results: According to the BLAST analysis, sample 1 revealed a 100% similarity to E. coli strain U5/41. Likewise, samples 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 exhibited a 100% similarity to Klebsiella aerogenes strain F26, Pseudomonas entomophila strain 2014, Staphylococcus aureus strain NCTC13616, Staphylococcus saprophyticus strain FDAARGOS_355, Proteus mirabilis strain NCTC 11938, respectively. Conclusions: Six bacterial isolates were analyzed by 16S RNA gene sequencing followed by the construction of a phylogenetic tree construction up to the species level. This method was a valuable tool for cost-effective and accurate diagnosis of an array of uropathogens in both asymptomatic and symptomatic pregnant women.