Case definition:

  1. Puerperal sepsis: Defined as "Infection of the genital tract occurring between rupture of membranes or labour and the 42nd day postpartum with 2 or more of the following":
    • Pelvic pain
    • Pyrexia i.e. oral temperature 38.5°C or higher on any occasion
    • Abnormal vaginal discharge, e.g. presence of pus or discharge with a foul odour
    • Delay in the rate of reduction of the size of the uterus (<2cm/day during the first 8 days)
  2. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Comprises inflammatory disorders of the upper genital tract, including endometritis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, or pelvic peritonitis. The symptoms include fever, pelvic pain, dyspareunia and abnormal vaginal discharge. The diagnosis of PID would be likely in the presence of features listed below:
    • Sexually active young women
    • Symptoms of pelvic or lower abdominal pain
    • Presence of cervical motion tenderness or uterine tenderness or adnexal tenderness on clinical examination
    • No other cause identified for the above symptoms and signs
  3. Vaginitis & cervicitis: It comprises a spectrum of inflammatory disorders of the lower female genital tract characterized by vaginal discharge, odour, pruritus, and dyspareunia.