Normal flora
of
human body
• The term “normal microbial flora” denotes the
population of microorganisms that inhabit the
skin and mucous membranes of healthy normal
persons. The skin and mucous membranes
always harbor a variety of microorganisms that
can be arranged into two groups:
1. The resident flora
2. The transient flora
1. The resident flora consists of relatively fixed types of
microorganisms regularly found in a given area at a given age; if
disturbed, it promptly reestablishes itself.
2. The transient flora consists of nonpathogenic or potentially
pathogenic microorganisms that inhabit the skin or mucous
membranes for hours, days, or weeks; it is derived from the
environment, does not produce disease, and does not establish itself
permanently on the surface. Members of the transient flora are
generally of little significance so long as the normal resident flora
remains intact. However, if the resident flora is disturbed, transient
microorganisms may colonize, proliferate, and produce disease
Role of Resident flora
Microorganisms that are constantly present on body
surfaces are commensals. Their growth in a given area
depends upon physiologic factors like temperature,
moisture, and the presence of certain nutrients and
inhibitory substances.
Resident flora of certain areas plays a definite role in
maintaining health and normal function. Members of the
resident flora in the intestinal tract synthesize vitamin K
and aid in the absorption of nutrients
• members of the normal flora may themselves produce
disease under certain circumstances and if removed from the
restrictions of that environment and introduced into the
bloodstream or tissues, these organisms may become
pathogenic. For example, streptococci of the viridans group
are the most common resident organisms of the upper
respiratory tract and if large numbers of them are introduced
into the bloodstream (eg, following tooth extraction or
tonsillectomy), they may settle on deformed or prosthetic
heart valves and produce infective endocarditis. Small
numbers occur transiently in the bloodstream with minor
trauma (eg, dental scaling or vigorous brushing).
Beneficial Effects of the Normal Flora
1. The normal flora synthesize and excrete vitamins
2. The normal flora prevent colonization by pathogens
3. The normal flora may antagonize other bacteria
4. The normal flora stimulate the development of certain tissues
5. The normal flora stimulate the production of natural
antibodies
Harmful Effects of the Normal Flora
1. Bacterial synergism
2. Competition for nutrients
3. Induction of a low grade toxemia
4. The normal flora may be agents of disease.
5. Transfer to susceptible hosts
Normal Flora of the Skin
The predominant resident microorganisms of the skin
are aerobic and anaerobic diphtheroid bacilli (eg,
corynebacterium, propionibacterium); nonhemolytic
aerobic and anaerobic staphylococci (Staphylococcus
epidermidis, occasionally S aureus, and
peptostreptococcus species); gram-positive, aerobic,
spore-forming bacilli; alphahemolytic streptococci
(viridians streptococci) and enterococci
Normal flora of Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is relatively free from
bacteria due to the presence of lysozyme
in the tears ,Predominant organisms of
the eyes are: Moraxella sp ,
Diphtheroids , Staph epidermidis and
Non hemolytic streptococci
Normal Flora of Nose and Nasopharynx
flora of nose harbours Diptheroids , Staphylococcus ,
Streptococcus, Haemophilus, and Moraxella
Normal Flora of the Mouth
The mouth contains micrococci, gram positive aerobic spore
bearing bacilli, coliforms, proteus and lactobacilli. The gums have
a wide spectrum of anaerobic flora like fusiform bacilli,
treponemes, lactobacilli, etc. Candida is also found.
Normal Flora of Upper Respiratory Tract
Within 12 hours of birth alpha hemolytic streptococci are found in
upper respiratory tract
Normal Flora of Gastrointestinal Tract:
The GI Tract of the foetus in utero is sterile. It becomes
contaminated with organisms shortly after birth.
In breast fed infants, the intestine contains lactobacilli, enterococci,
colon bacilli and staphylococci.
In bottle fed infants the intestine contains lactobacilli, colon bacilli
and aerobic and anaerobic spore bearing organisms. With the
change of food, flora changes.
• In the stomach as pH is low, the stomach is sterile but as the
pH increases in small intestine the number of bacteria
increases progressively . The bacterial count is low in small
intestine as compared to large intestine.
• Lactobacilli and entrococci
Normal Flora of the Genitourinary Tract
Mycobacterium smegmatis a harmless commensal. Strains of
mycoplasma and ureaplasma are frequently present as part of
normal flora. Gardnerella vaginalis, bacteroides and alpha
streptococci have been found in male urethra. Female urethra
is either sterile or contains staphylococcus epidermidis
