Periurethral aerobic microflora of pregnant and non-pregnant women.
Seventy-two pregnant and 88 non-pregnant women were examined to see whether the periurethral region had been colonised with group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae), enterococci, and Gram-negative rods belonging to the Enterobacteriaeceae. A semi-quantitative method was used for periurethral sampling, and paired urethral swabs were also collected to compare the isolation rates of group B streptococci from the two sites and with the two sampling methods. A higher isolation rate was found with periurethral sampling. Most specimens showed no or scanty growth of Gram-negative rods. Pregnancy was often associated with heavy growth of enterococci. Sampling performed during menstruation and while oral contraceptives were being used produced high isolation rates of group B streptococci. These results seem to suggest that the periurethral area might protect against genital colonisation with group B streptococci as it does against urinary tract infection and that hormonal factors influence the carriage of these organisms.
D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006088:Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008598:Menstruation; D011247:Pregnancy; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology*
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral