Microbial flora of the external os of the premenopausal cervix.

Keith, Louis; England, David C.; Bartizal, F J; Brown, Eric; Fields, Charles

doi:10.1136/sti.48.1.51

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…It has been postulated (Keith et al, 1972) that the vagina and cervix, with different embryological origins, epithelia, and secretions, might have different microbial populations; but in this first comparative investigation the same pattern, including bacteria of faecal origin, was found at the two sites, 70 % of cervical swabs yielding three or more microbial types.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 67%

“…Recently reported studies show that this is true of other groups of women of child-bearing age (Morris and Morris, 1967;Keith et al, 1972;Neary et al, 1973;de Louvois et al, 1975). It has been postulated (Keith et al, 1972) that the vagina and cervix, with different embryological origins, epithelia, and secretions, might have different microbial populations; but in this first comparative investigation the same pattern, including bacteria of faecal origin, was found at the two sites, 70 % of cervical swabs yielding three or more microbial types.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

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Microbial flora of the vagina and cervix.

Corbishley¹

1977

J Clin Pathol

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SUMMARY The microbial flora of the vagina and cervix was assessed qualitatively and semiquantitatively in 40 women attending an intrauterine contraceptive device clinic. Both sites harboured many types of microorganism, the mean number of microbial types isolated being five from the vagina and four from the cervix. Typical lactobacilli were detected in 61 % of vaginal and in 53 % of cervical specimens; faecal bacteria, including anaerobes, were even more frequently found at both sites. No differences in the microbial populations at either the vagina or the cervix were detected after fitting of the devices, in the different weeks of the menstrual cycle, or with various previously used contraceptive methods.The received impression of the microbial flora of the female lower genital tract is of predominant lactobacilli with occasional colonisation by skin and faecal organisms (Wilson and Miles, 1975). Recent papers have challenged this view by showing a diverse collection of organisms at this site, but there is much still to be elucidated about the microbial ecology of this region and the factors affecting it.The present investigation of 40 women attending an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) clinic was undertaken to assess the vaginal and cervical flora in this sexually active group and to determine the effect of various influences-the fitting of the device itself, and factors such as the stage of the menstrual cycle, and previous contraceptive practice. Material and methods PATIENTSOf the 40 patients who attended for IUCD fitting, 30 returned for the first follow-up appointment, usually four weeks later, so that 70 sets ofvaginal and cervical swabs were taken for culture. The women were asked about previous contraceptive practice and drug history, and relevant clinical details were noted. The age range of the patients was 19 to 40 years, the mean age being 25 5 years.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 67%