Infectious Diseases of the Female Genital Tract

Abstract

The volume and quality of both basic research and clinic investigation of female genital tract infections have increased significantly in the past 2 decades. Included among the major changes in studies of reproductive microbiology have been: an interest in the pathophysiology of infectious processes; the realization that many infections are polymicrobic in nature; recognition of the importance of virus mycoplasma chlamydia and anaerobic micro-organisms; elucidation of a role for newly developed organisms such as Mobiluncus and papillomavirus; the use of quantitative microbiology in reproductive tract investigations; development of a better diagnostic techniques for the identification of micro-organisms and diseases; and a revolution in the availability of antimicrobial agents and in antibiotic treatment strategies. This comprehensive volume was prepared as a resource for clinicians who provide health care to women in the area of infectious diseases. Topics of the books 20 chapters include: clinical microbiology of the female genital tract use of the microbiology laboratory in infectious diseases sexually transmitted diseases pelvic inflammatory disease toxic shock syndrome infectious vulvovaginitis genital mycoplasmas chlamydial infections mixed anaerobic-aerobic pelvic infection postabortal infection and septic shock wound and episiotomy infections pelvic abscess perinatal infections parasitic diseases in pregnancy premature rupture of the membranes intrauterine infection in late pregnancy postpartum infections urinary tract infection antimicrobial agents and antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetrics and gynecology. The authors objective in preparing this book was to provide physicians with the diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge necessary to prevent the significant morbidity and occasional mortality that occurs secondary to infections in reproductive medicine.