Obstetric infections.

Maternal infections are unique because of their implications for the outcome of pregnancy. Bacterial infections that can be favorably influenced by prompt diagnosis and preventive management include urinary tract infections and chorioamnionitis. However, viral infections such as genital herpes and cytomegalovirus, and the parasitic disease toxoplasmosis, require specialized forms of testing and a complicated management plan. Altered physiological and immunological states during pregnancy are important in understanding the pathophysiology of maternal infections.