In a study of 225 women with acute salpingitis verified by laparoscopy or laparotomy we investigated the prevalence of gonococcal and chlamydial infection in the lower genital tract. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated from 18.9% of the women and Chlamydia trachomatis from 38.5%. Women with positive cultures were significantly younger (p less than 0.01) than those with negative cultures. A trend toward more severe inflammatory changes of the tubes was found in women with positive cultures compared with those with negative cultures. The majority of women with positive cultures stated they had only one sexual partner during the preceding 6 months. Single women had more partners (mean 1.9) than those cohabiting (mean 1.2). The ratio of single/multiple partners for women with Chlamydia was 2.5:1, and for those with gonorrhea 1:1 (p less than 0.05). Of the men, 60% could be examined and about 50% had positive cultures. Microbiologic investigation of both partners is necessary in order to prevent reinfection of the woman.