NORMAL MICROBIAL FLORA IN

GIT
NORMAL FLORA
 The population of microorganisms that inhabit
the skin and mucous membranes of healthy
normal persons.
 (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.
NORMAL FLORA
 Members of the transient flora are generally of
little significance as long as the normal resident
flora remains intact.
 However, if the resident flora is disturbed,
transient microorganisms may colonize,
proliferate, and produce disease.
NORMAL FLORA IN GIT
 At birth the intestine is sterile, but organisms
are soon introduced with food.
 As food habits, the bowel flora changes.

 Bowels of newborns in intensive care nurseries

tend to be colonized by Enterobacteriaceae, eg,
klebsiella, citrobacter, and enterobacter.
 the esophagus contains microorganisms arriving with
saliva and food
 The stomach's acidity keeps the number of
microorganisms at a minimum (103–105/g of contents)
 The normal acid pH of the stomach protects against
infection with some enteric pathogens, eg, cholera.
 Administration of cimetidine for peptic ulcer leads to
a great increase in microbial flora of the stomach
 As the pH of intestinal becomes alkaline, the resident
flora gradually increases.
 In the upper intestine, lactobacilli and enterococci
predominate
INTESTINAL FLORA
 In colon, 96–99% of the resident bacterial flora
consists of anaerobes: Bacteroides sp, especially
B fragilis; Fusobacterium sp; lactobacilli, eg,
bifidobacteria; C perfringens, 103–105/g and
Peptostreptococcus sp. Only 1–4% are
facultative aerobes : coliform bacteria,
enterococci, and small numbers of pseudomonas,
lactobacilli, candidae, and other organisms).
 are important in synthesis of vitamin K and
antagonism to microbial pathogens.
 produces ammonia and other breakdown
products that are absorbed and can contribute to
hepatic coma..
 Antimicrobial can suppress the flora.
 fecal flora rise again to normal or higher than
normal levels
 The anaerobic flora of the colon : B fragilis,
clostridia, and peptostreptococci, plays a main
role in abscess formation originating in
perforation of the bowel.