This book systematically reviews and discusses recent studies and articles on the immunology of female genital tract tissue. The scope is broad, encompassing innate immune responses, adaptive (humoral and cell-mediated) immunity, the immunology of menstruation, the immunology of viral and bacterial infections, the immunology of normal and abnormal pregnancy, and immunological infertility. Throughout, tables and illustrations are judiciously used to facilitate understanding. Immunology of the Female Genital Tract will serve as an invaluable source of up-to-date information for all with an interest in this subject.

The motive to prepare this volume on antibiotics for the physician caring for women was based upon the editor's perception that the subject matter had never been fully developed for the obstetrician-gynecologist. Most textbooks of infectious disease have a small section devoted to antibiotics, which has little relevance for the physician caring for post-operative or post-partum infections. Basic antibiotic pharmacology is described and there is a reflex prohibition of antibiotics for the pregnant woman. Correctly, the reader assumes that the authors themselves do not care for women with bacterial infections of the pelvis. Recent texts in infectious disease in obstetrics gynecology have been little better. Although the focus has been more clini cally oriented, space requirements have too often kept the discussions at a superficial level. A total focus upon antibiotics in this volume eliminates the restraints of space in prior publications. The greatest reward in my task as editor of this volume is related to the quality of the individual authors. They range from former students, to con temporary colleagues, to respected peers in infectious disease. Since the quality of this volume is related to the sum total of the individual chapters, I wish to comment about each of the contributors. Philip Mead from the University of Vermont is an old friend, who brings to the question of prophylactic antibiotics, his wide clinical experience and encyclopedic knowledge."