Discuss how the nature of a particular body site influences the normal microbial flora

located there.

What will be an ideal response


In order to colonize a particular body site, a microorganism must be able to evade the normal defense mechanisms
and exploit the local conditions to survive. Thus, areas of the body with low oxygen, such as the gum crevices
around the teeth, can support anaerobes that are resistant to antimicrobial substances such as lysozyme in the
saliva. Secreted fatty acids on the skin are normally antimicrobial, butPropionibacterium species can metabolize
them. Females of reproductive age secrete glycogen vaginally, allowing lactobacilli to flourish. Breast-fed babies
have lower pH in the gastrointestinal tract, and acid-tolerant species such as Bifidobacterium colonize.

Health & Biomechanics

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