NORMAL FLORA

IN RESPIRATORY
TRACT
NORMAL FLORA OF RT
 Normal flora of human respiratory tract consist few of eukaryotic fungi (candida species) and
protist but the most common is bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic.
 A large of bacteria can be founded in URT especially in nasopharynx.
 Predominant organism in URT is non-hemolytic and α-hemolytic streptococci and Neisseria.
Staphylococci can be also encountered
 Paranasal sinuses, bronchioles and alveoli are sterile.
 
 The normal flora of the upper respiratory tract has two main functions that are important in
maintaining the healthy state of the host:
1. Compete with pathogenic organisms for potential attachment sites, therefore the normal
flora can prevent proliferation and invasion of pathogenic organisms through competition
for the same nutrients and the same receptor sites on host cells.
2. They can produce substances that are bactericidal such as bacteriocins, bacterial products
that are toxic to potential pathogens and prevent infection by pathogens.
NORMAL FLORA PATHOGEN
 Infection of mouth and respiratory tract are usually caused by mixed oronasal flora.
 Normally The respiratory tract has many natural barriers to infection that inhaled organisms
microorganisms must penetrate before they can cause disease.
 Colonization is a crucial step in the pathogenesis of upper respiratory pressure
 Imbalances in the ecosystem may result in overgrowth and invasion by bacterial pathogens,
causing respiratory diseases