Medicus, Vol. 15 No. 2_UG infekcije, 2006.
Review article
Infections of the Female Lower Genital Tract
Zlatko Topalović
Abstract
Infections of the female lower genital tract
and the related symptoms (increased discharge, itching, burning)
belong to the most common gynecological problems, and
they are the most frequent reason to visit a gynecologist. Lower
genital tract infections include cervicitis, vaginitis or colpitis,
and vulvitis. Nowadays, the most important cervical infections
are chlamydial cervicitis, as the primary reason for pelvic
infl ammatory disease with possible infertility, and infection with
oncogenic types of HPV, being an undoubted ethiologic factor
for cervical carcinoma. Due to their importance, these infections
are elaborated in separate chapters. This article describes
vaginal and vulval infections, i.e. vulvovaginitis. The three most
common are Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and
Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) infections. These infections can be
sexually transmitted, but not necessarily. Candida albicans may
be pathogen and can be found as saprophyte in the vagina
of about 20-25% women without any symptoms. It multiplies
and causes infl ammation in the case of the impaired vaginal
immune system or increased pH. An increase in vaginal pH is
also a prerequisite for TV and GV infections.
Keywords
infections of the female lower genital tract; vaginal immune system; symptoms; treatment; prevention
Hrčak ID:
18165
URI
Publication date:
29.12.2006.
Visits: 11.253 *