Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Monash University and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia
Bio: Dr Erica Plummer is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Bioinformatician with the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and the Central Clinical School at Monash University. Erica’s research uses sequencing data to understand the contribution of the genital microbiome to common genital infections and STI syndromes. Her research interests concern understanding the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis, as well as determining how interventions, behavioural practices, and sexual practices influence the composition of the genital microbiome.
Abstract: Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is the commonest genital tract syndrome in men. Common causes of NGU include Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium, but more than 50% of cases are considered idiopathic, meaning that no aetiological agent is identified following routine clinical tests. This poses significant challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of NGU and can contribute to misuse and overuse of antibiotics. While some cases of idiopathic urethritis are non-infectious, a significant proportion are likely attributable to an unidentified sexually transmitted pathogen/s. This talk will discuss current evidence concerning new and emerging causes of urethritis.