Choice of antibiotics and length of therapy in the treatment of acute salpingitis.

This article reviews the rationale for the therapy of acute salpingitis and the conceptual basis for the length of therapy. The key to therapy of acute salpingitis is the need to accommodate polymicrobial etiology, polymicrobial bacterial superinfection, and the potential presence of penicillinase-producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae into a therapeutic equation that has been determined by the appropriate staging of disease. The anticipated therapeutic response identified for monomicrobial disease due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae constitutes the end titration point for drug administration. Duration of continued therapy beyond this point is governed by the need to complete therapy for Chlamydia trachomatis or to assure resolution of advanced disease.