Abstract
The vagina, like all other cavities of the human body in contact with the external environment, is colonized by a variety of normally harmless microorganisms; these compromise its normal flora. Because most of the bacteria of vaginal flora are opportunistic pathogens capable of causing infection under favorable conditions, the term ‘indigenous microflora’, rather than ‘normal flora’, has recently been preferred for describing these microorganisms. Infections occur when the equilibrium existing between the microflora and the regional or general defense mechanisms is upset, as, for example, after radiation therapy, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive treatment (Wilson and Miles, 1975; Galask et al., 1976; Isenberg and Painter, 1980).
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Koumentakou, I., Massouras, H.G. (1985). Normal vaginal flora in abortion patients. In: Keith, L.G., Berger, G.S. (eds) Common Infections. Infections in Reproductive Health, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4878-5_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4878-5_6
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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