ABSTRACT
The microflora of the lower genital tract of healthy women is of interest because of its potential as a reservoir for infections both of the normally sterile upper genital tract and of the neonate during delivery. The microflora of the lower genital tract in women has been studied in a variety of populations using different sampling, isolation, and identification techniques. The composition of the microflora will be determined by differences in the ability of individual bacteria to adhere to the mucosal surface. The lower genital tract remains the most likely source of pathogens, despite the confusion over the relationship between pelvic infection and the endogenous microflora. The importance of the composition of the endogenous microflora should not be under-estimated. There is increasing evidence that the integrity of the vaginal ecology is paramount for the maintenance of a healthy genital tract and successful delivery of the neonate.
