The Journal of Medical Microbiology, Vol 15, Issue 3 293-302, Copyright © 1982 by Society for General Microbiology
A reassessment of the microbial flora of the female genital tract, with special reference to the occurrence of Bacteroides species
R. Hammann
Two hundred and twelve randomly selected vaginal or uterine cervical
specimens were investigated for the presence of anaerobic and aerobic
bacteria and yeasts. Anaerobes of possible clinical significance, including
Bacteroidaceae, Peptococcaceae and clostridia were isolated from 34% of the
specimens and were identified to specific or generic level. Among the
Bacteroidaceae isolated, B. bivius was the most common, followed by other
propionate-negative species. Members of the Bacteroides fragilis group were
seldom isolated. Of the aerobic or facultatively anaerobic isolates,
enterococci and Escherichia coli were most often found. The results show
that clinically significant anaerobes, especially Bacteroides species, are
not regular members of the vaginal flora and that the species distribution
of anaerobes occurring in the genital tract is significantly different from
that of the intestinal tract.
