Microbiology Presentation

Normal Flora Of The Intestine

Presented By
Tehreem Sajjad 085
What is Normal Flora And Why
Is It Important?

Normal flora are the microorganisms such as bacteria

that live on another living organism (human or animal)
or any inanimate object without causing disease.

This normal flora helps to prevent us from becoming

colonised with more dangerous bacteria, which might
lead to infection.
Factors Influencing The Normal
Flora :

 Genetics
 Age
 Gender
 Acidity
 Stress
 Diet
Normal Flora of the GIT
Normal Flora of The Small
Intestine
 Lactobacilli
 Enterococcus faecalis
 Coliforms
 Bacteroids
Normal Flora of The Large
Intestine
 Enterococci
 Clostridia
 Lactobacilli
 Bacteroids
 Bifidobacterium
 Escherichia coli
 Methanogenic bacteria
 Viridans streptococci
 Staphylococcus sp.
 Proteus sp.
 Candida albicans
 Mycoplama sp.
Role Of Normal Flora :
 The normal flora synthesize and excrete vitamins. For
example enteric bacteria secrete vitamin K, vitamin
B12 and lactic acid bacteria produce certain B –
vitamins

 They prevent colonization by pathogens by

competing for attachment sites or for essential
nutrients.
 They may also antagonize other bacteria. The intestinal bacteria
produce a variety of substances ranging from nonspecific fatty
acids and peroxides to highly specific bacteriocins that may
inhibit or kill other bacteria.

 Normal Flora also stimulates the development of certain

tissues. For example the caecum and certain lymphatic tissues
(Peyer’s patches) in the GI tract.

 They stimulate the production of natural antibodies

In what cases Normal Flora can
have harmful effects?
 Bacterial Synergism
 Competition for nutrients
 Induction of low grade toxemia
 The normal flora may be agents of disease