POPLINE Document Number: 018122
Author(s):
Monif GR
Welkos SL
Baer H
Thompson RJ
Source citation:
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1976 Sep 15;126(2):158-61.
Abstract:
Bacteriologic observations derived by culdocentesis in 17 women with gonococcal endometritis-salpingitis from whom 1 or more bacteria were isolated are reported. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was cultured from the cul-de-sac in 11 cases and identified by Gram stain in 1 additional case. N. gonorrhoeae was the only isolate in 5 of these patients. Concomitantly with N. gonorrhoeae, aerobic bacteria were recovered in 2 cases and multiple anaerobic bacteria in 4 cases. In the remaining 6 cases, only aerobic and anaerobic organisms were isolated. Analysis of the Gram stain of the endocervix revealed the presence of intracellular gram-negative diplococci in 10 of 11 smears where N. gonorrhoeae was isolated. Diplococci were not demonstrated when N. gonorrhoeae was absent from the culdocentesis fluid. The data tend to refute the concept of a polymicrobial etiology for pelvic inflammatory disease, suggesting instead progressive anaerobic superinfection with nonrecovery and probable elimination of N. gonorrhoeae. The presence of aerobic/facultative anaerobes with obligatory anaerobes argues against an end-stage anaerobic environment.
Keywords:
Clinical ResearchIndex page
Endometritis
Adnexitis
Genital Effects, Female
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Infections
Research Methodology
Reproductive Tract Infections
Diseases
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Genitalia, Female
Genitalia
Urogenital System
Physiology
Biology