Research

One of the major focuses of the Unit has been the development of a comprehensive and dynamic research program. The aims of the program are to improve STI diagnosis, treatment and follow-up and reduce the consequences of STIs; to increase understanding of the pathogenesis and immunobiology of STIs and related conditions; and to improve the understanding of sexual behaviour and barriers to the implementation of safer sex practices of STIs in sex workers.

Research successes include a survey of Sexual Health Services in NSW, prevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia in adolescents, epidemiology of herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy, the behavioural and biological risk factors for the acquisition of genital herpes, HSV seroepidemiology in Australia, HSV serology in China, Indonesia and Vanuatu, herpes and HPV vaccine trials, a review of obstetricians practice in the management of genital herpes, papillomavirus infection in sex workers and the implication for the development of cervical cancer and the behavioural and biological aspects.

We have been successful in attracting funding from the Public Health Research and Development Council (PHRDC) part of the National Health Service and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Ramaciotti Foundation, the Sydney Foundation for Medical Research, the NSW Health Department, the Commonwealth Government and a number of private agencies.