title: The impact of recent advances in microbiology and immunology on perinatal and women's health care.
abstract: Microbiology and immunology have offered important advances in the care of women and newborns. Understanding of the interplay between individuals and the microorganisms associated with them has provided the framework for important changes in practice. An excellent historical example of this idea, well known to nurses, involves puerperal fever. A recent example is knowledge of the relationship of breastfeeding and human immunodeficiency virus. Recent advances in microbiology and immunology that have improved women's health include improved diagnostic tests and a more complete understanding of the vaginal biofilm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, USA.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Munro
mesh_terms: D000486:Allergy and Immunology / Q000639:trends*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001942:Breast Feeding; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008829:Microbiology / Q000639:trends*; D010500:Perinatology / Q000639:trends*; D014621:Vagina / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D004247:DNA