Challenging problems in gynecologic infections

Infectious diseases account for a large percentage of office visits from otherwise healthy women. Among the most commonly encountered infectious processes are bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, human papillomavirus infection, and genital herpes. In pregnant patients, comanaging HIV infection and screening for tuberculosis are also common challenges. An understanding of these entities will help in the initial management and will enable the infectious disease physician to respond in a helpful way to questions from primary care colleagues. Knowing about the current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is a priority for any physician.