Final answer:
Endomyometritis is the term for an infection of the myometrium with anaerobic bacteria predominating, causing fever and uterine tenderness. It can complicate into PID or sepsis if untreated and is particularly serious postpartum as puerperal sepsis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes an infection into the myometrium with symptoms such as fever and uterine tenderness, where anaerobic bacteria are predominant over aerobic bacteria, is endomyometritis. This condition is an inflammation of the uterus, particularly the endometrium and the myometrium layers, which can occur following childbirth or gynecologic procedures. Anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in environments with low or no oxygen, are commonly implicated in such infections and can lead to serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sepsis if not properly managed.
Sepsis can rapidly become life-threatening if a bacterial infection moves through the uterus, into the tubes, and into the pelvic cavity, especially after non-sterile procedures like abortions or from sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia. These infections can lead to PID, which may subsequently cause infertility due to scarring in the fallopian tubes.
It is critical to diagnose and treat these infections effectively; antimicrobial susceptibility testing is essential for determining the correct antibiotics to use. A healthcare provider should be vigilant for these infections, especially during the postpartum period where puerperal sepsis is a risk, and follow proper antiseptic protocols and handwashing practices to reduce nosocomial infections.