Jennifer T. Anger, MD, MPH, presented “Assessment of the Urinary Microbiome” during the 30th Annual Perspectives in Urology: Point-Counterpoint, on March 10, 2023, at Humphreys Half Moon Inn, San Diego, California.
How to cite: Anger, Jennifer T. “Assessment of the Urinary Microbiome.” March 10, 2023. Accessed Nov 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/assessment-of-the-urinary-microbiome/
Assessment of the Urinary Microbiome – Summary
Jennifer T. Anger, MD, MPH, discusses microbiome assessments and the ongoing debate between cultures and next-generation sequencing. She highlights the connection between acute symptoms and the potential presence of undetectable microorganisms in traditional culture methods, which underscores the need for more advanced technologies.
Dr. Anger introduces PCR and next-generation sequencing as promising alternatives to culture-only assessments, offering higher sensitivity and comprehensive evaluation of the urinary microbiome. By utilizing these methods, a wider range of bacterial and fungal DNA can be detected, providing a more thorough understanding of the microbial composition.
Dr. Anger then addresses concerns of over-treatment and the implications of identifying microbial DNA without certainty of viability or pathogenicity. By understanding patients’ microbial composition comprehensively, there is potential for improved diagnosis and targeted treatment options for various diseases and conditions.
About the 30th Annual Perspectives in Urology: Point Counterpoint conference: Presented by Program Chair and Grand Rounds in Urology Editor-in-Chief E. David Crawford, MD, this conference brought together leading experts in urology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology to discuss and debate the latest topics in genitourinary cancers, primarily prostate cancer and bladder cancer. This interactive conference offered topical lectures, pro/con debates, interesting-case presentations, interactive panel discussions, and interactive audience and faculty networking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer T. Anger, MD, MPH, (she/her) is Professor of Urology at the University of California, San Diego, and serves as the Vice Chair of Research in UC San Diego’s Urology Department. Dr. Anger is also a surgeon at UC San Diego, board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Anger specializes in gender-affirming surgery for transgender and non-binary patients, including vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, and robotic hysterectomy with vaginectomy and non-binary options. Dr. Anger previously served as an assistant professor of urology at the University of California, Los Angeles, gaining expertise in robotic-assisted pelvic floor reconstruction. Following that, she joined Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, building their residency program in urology and founding and directing the ACGME-accredited Cedars-Sinai fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
