Book Review

Infectious Diseases in Women

N Engl J Med 2001; 345:153-154July 12, 2001

Article

Infectious Diseases in Women
Edited by Sebastian Faro and David E. Soper. 702 pp., illustrated. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 2001. $129. ISBN: 0-7216-7379-1

The purpose of this book is to provide a single resource for physicians caring for women with infection. Conceived and written by leaders in the field of obstetrical and gynecologic infections, Infectious Diseases in Women will serve students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians. The book deals with obstetrical infections (with emphasis on pathogens that are important during pregnancy), clinical syndromes associated with infection and pregnancy, gynecologic infections, sexually transmitted diseases, infections not primarily associated with reproduction, and antimicrobial agents (with emphasis on their use during pregnancy). The final section of the book is devoted to specimen collection, diagnostic testing, and placental pharmacokinetics.

The greatest strengths of this book are the chapters on obstetrical and gynecologic infections. Topics that are usually covered in a few paragraphs or a page in standard textbooks on infectious diseases (for example, intraamniotic infection, postpartum endometriosis, septic pelvic thrombophlebitis, and episiotomy infections) are afforded entire chapters. These chapters blend practical information with synopses of the medical literature. The text is supplemented by many tables, photographs, and algorithms to help busy clinicians. For many obstetrical and gynecologic infections, there is little clinical research to guide practicing physicians. The guidelines in this book are one of its most valuable features.

Sexually transmitted diseases are the commonest infectious diseases in women. The chapters on syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia infection, and human papillomavirus infection provide guidance on these infections in women, with special attention to management during pregnancy. There is an excellent chapter on human immunodeficiency virus infection; it is current and well referenced and clearly addresses the optimal management of this infection during pregnancy. The chapters devoted to other infections give practical information and specific recommendations (which are often hard to find in other sources) on the management of common infections during pregnancy.

Infectious Diseases in Women fills an important gap. My only regret is that the focus is on infections associated with reproduction and gynecology. This is clearly a reflection of the current state of knowledge of sex-related differences in the immune system and in susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Judith Currier, M.D.
University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
jscurrier@mednet.ucla.edu