The domiciliary management of genital tract infection

Present treatment schedules for lower genital tract infections are far from ideal. Members of the 4-quinolone antibiotic class are highly active against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and some of the newer agents are active against Chlamydia trachomatis. Clinical success has been reported with, for example, a single daily dose of ofloxacin for one week. New macrolides are active against C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. Azithromycin has been shown to be effective in a single oral dose. The role of newer agents in the therapy of bacterial vaginosis is largely unproven, but there are encouraging signs. The importance of attempting to make a firm diagnosis is emphasized.