Aerobic and anaerobic cervical flora of healthy Thai women

The bacteriologic study of the cervical flora in 50 healthy women revealed that 70% harbored mixed aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Aerobic organisms alone were recovered in 15 women (30%). Polymicrobial organisms were found in all but five women (in these only one aerobe was isolated per patient). The majority of patients had 1-2 anaerobes, with more than two aerobes. The common aerobes were alpha-hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus epidermidis and lactobacilli. The most common anaerobes were Peptococcus asaccharolyticus isolated in 21 women (42%), P prevotii in 13 (26%) and Bacteroides in 10 (20%). These organisms are frequently found in pelvic infection, suggesting the pathogenic potential of the normal flora of the cervix.