title: Review and discussion of the body's normal microorganisms.
abstract: Nurses need to be constantly vigilant in their hygiene practices, yet not ignore the role of normal microbes in the maintenance of health: we have more microorganisms living on us and in us than any other type of cell, and they have a role in preventing colonisation by harmful pathogens, and also in regulating the immune system. This article reviews the types of microorganisms normally found in and on individuals, and how these can contribute to health.
authors.affiliation: St Bartholomew's School of Nursing and Midwifery, City University, London.
authors.forename: Alison Margaret
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Coutts
mesh_terms: D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D007109:Immunity; D017053:Infection Control; D008829:Microbiology