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Different Floras

Skin Flora

Function: Protects the body from larger outside invaders. Provides ecosystem for microorganisms that have a metabolism which "inhibits the growth of non-resident bacteria and fungi, and maintain the balance between the colonizing microorganisms." [F.1] 

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More microorganisms are found in the "body regions rich in sebaceous glands, e.g. scalp, forehead, axillae, front of the chest, and the area between the shoulder blades" [F.1]. Anywhere that collects or produces natural body oils is more likely to house these microbes.

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Bacteria: 

  • Staphylococcus epidermidis

  • Propioni

  • Corynebacteria

Diagram of the skin flora of each bacteria/ percentage of abundance.

[F.3]

[F.2]

Oral Flora

Function:  Combination of diverse bacteria which defend and control the colonization in the oral cavity. There are about 700 different bacteria, and only 50% of them have been cultured. [F.4]

Among these bacteria are microbes that cause dental diseases if not under control. 

Bacteria: ​

  • Staphylococcus aureus

  • Streptococcus

  • Lactobacillus

  • E. Coli

Gastrointestinal Flora

Function:  Gastrointestinal flora is responsible for your overall health. A child develops the gut flora of an adult around the age of 3. These microbes help with digestion, metabolism, and protection from harmful pathogens. [F.5]

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Bacteria: [F.5]

  • Anaerotruncus colihominis

  • Butyrivibrio crossotus

  • Akkermansia sp.

  • Fecalibacterium sp.

  • Akkermansia (Verrucomicrobia)

  • Ruminococcus torque/gnavus.

[F.5]

Diagram of the gut flora of each bacteria.

Urogenital Flora

Function:  "The microbiological flora of the lower female genital tract provides a dynamic, complex example of microbial colonization, the regulation of which is not fully understood. When an exogenous bacterial species, with its array of virulence factors, is introduced into the host, disease does not always occur." [F.6]

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This community of microorganisms help defeat pathogens or bad bacteria from entering the body through the vaginal opening. However, this flora is more mysterious than the others, since it will sometimes allow unwelcome guests to thrive.

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Bacteria: 

  • Atopobium vaginae

  • Peptostreptococcus spp

  • Staphylococcus spp.

  • Streptococcus spp.

  • Bacteroides sp.

  • Gardnerella vaginalis

  • Mobiluncus

[F.7]

Diagram of the vaginal flora defending against unwelcome bacteria.

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