Disclosed are methods and kits for detecting or quantifying one or more target polynucleotide sequences in a sample. Embodiments of the invention employ a first ligation reaction, a subsequent optional amplification reaction, and a second ligation reaction. Embodiments of the invention combine the specificity of both hybridization and ligation reactions along with universal probe polynucleotide sequences to achieve specific and multiplexed detection of a plurality of target polynucleotide sequences.