Final answer:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, commonly caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. It can lead to severe complications such as salpingitis and infertility. PID can present with symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and fever.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a collective term for any extensive bacterial infection of the pelvic organs. This condition can affect the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries with the two most common bacterial pathogens being Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. In particular, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, or salpingitis, is considered the most severe form of PID. Symptoms of PID include pain in the lower abdomen, unusual vaginal discharge, fever, chills, nausea, and painful urination. Infections affecting the urinary system can result in conditions like pyelonephritis, a serious kidney infection, and leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through infected animal urine. Common causes of vaginitis in women include bacterial vaginosis, which is usually caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, leading to a decrease in lactobacilli and an increase in vaginal pH. The open-ended structure of the uterine tubes poses a significant risk, allowing bacteria to enter through the vagina and potentially lead to sepsis if the infection spreads into the pelvic cavity. This is particularly concerning in cases of non-sterile procedures such as unskilled abortions, or as a result of sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia, which are linked to an increased risk for PID. Untreated, the disease can leave scar tissue causing infertility.