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Lactobacilli, Normal Human Microflora and Antimicrobial Treatment

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Human Health

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Applied Biology ((SSAPPL.BIOLOGY))

Abstract

Within the first few hours of life, microbial colonisation of the human body begins. In different ways, the microorganisms are transmitted via the mouth to sites of potential colonisation. This transmission originates from the mother during delivery, from feeding and from people coming into contact with the infant (Marsh and Martin 1984). These pioneer species consist mostly of aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Already the day after birth, Streptococcus salivarius has been isolated from oral samples in most infants (Carlsson et al. 1975). Streptococci are the dominant oral microorganisms in newborn infants, together with staphylococci, neisseria, lactobacilli and veillonella (McCarthy et al. 1965). When the teeth are erupted, Streptococcus sanguis starts to colonise the mouth. Other microorganisms appearing at tooth eruption include Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces viscosus. These microorganisms are mainly found in the dental plaque. At 1 year of age, Actinomyces, Bacteroides and Fusobacterium species have been isolated in about 50% of infants. This ecosystem containing only a few genera and species will further develop until a stable but dynamic system is reached (Marsh and Martin 1984; Macfarlane and Samaranayake 1989).

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  1. A. Lidbeck
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  2. C. E. Nord
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  1. Reckitt and Colman Pharmaceuticals, Dansom Lane, HU8 7DS, Kingston upon Hull, UK

    Stewart A. W. Gibson

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Lidbeck, A., Nord, C.E. (1994). Lactobacilli, Normal Human Microflora and Antimicrobial Treatment. In: Gibson, S.A.W. (eds) Human Health. Springer Series in Applied Biology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3443-5_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3443-5_6

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