Suspected lower genital tract infection: Diagnosis and treatment

Lower genital tract infections are caused by bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis), parasites (Trichomonas vaginalis) or fungi (Candida albicans). The main symptom is vaginal discharge. A positive diagnosis of the infection is based on an analysis of the characteristics of the discharge, associated symptoms, and the results of a vaginal swab. Treatment for these conditions involves advice on hygiene, the use of prebiotics and probiotics, and the prescription of imidazole derivatives. Viral lower genital tract infections include genital herpes and vulvar condylomatosis. Genital herpes (caused by HSV-2 in 80 per cent of cases) presents as a primary infection, followed by recurrences. Treatment involves valacyclovir. Genital warts, associated with non-oncogenic HPV types 6 and 11, are very common among young adults. Acute Bartholin's gland infections constitute vulvar bacterial infections: these are treated surgically. The text, in French, is aimed at doctors wishing to deepen their knowledge of gynaecological infectious diseases (general practitioners, junior doctors,