ANATOMY
Familiarity
with the anatomic structures is important for appropriate processing of
specimens from genital tract sites and interpretation of microbiologic
laboratory results.
RESIDENT
MICROBIAL FLORA
The lining of
the normal human genital tract is a mucosal layer made up of transitional,
columnar, and squamous epithelial cells. Various species of commensal bacteria colonize
these surfaces, causing no harm to the host except under abnormal circumstances
and helping to prevent the adherence of pathogenic organisms.
Males:
normal flora in urethra below prostate
Normal
urethral flora include coagulase-negative staphylococci corynebacteria, as well
as various anaerobes. The vulva and penis, especially the area underneath the prepuce
(foreskin) of the uncircumcised male, may harbor Mycobacterium smegmatis along
with other grampositive bacteria.
Lactobacilli,
Staphylococci, streptococci
Female:
normal flora
The flora of
the female genital tract varies with the pH and estrogen concentration of the
mucosa, which depends on the host’s age.
Females: can
vary depending on hormonal activity (estrogen indirectly promotes acid pH)
Vaginal
infections more common in girls and postmenopausal women
Variations of normal flora in female vagina
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