Normal flora is the colonisation of human tissues by a diverse mixture of microorganisms. This colonisation begins at birth with pioneer species, depending on physiochemical factors. The normal flora inhibits the skin, oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital and conjunctival membranes. They are commensal bacteria; getting shelter and nourishment from the host without causing harm (Gould, 2012). To a healthy individual, most normal flora is harmless, however some have pathogenic potential and to a compromised individual can cause infection and mortality.
This pathogenic potential of the normal flora leads to a personal conclusion that it does pose the greatest risk of infectious disease due to the constant exposure to these opportunistic pathogens. There are many opportunities for the normal flora to cause infection, through medical introduction by a catheter giving direct link to the urinary tract or bloodstream, through a weakened immune system or even the smallest breach in the skin such as a paper cut. Endogenous infection is the translocation of microorganisms from one area to a more vulnerable site. If normal flora is moved from one site of the body to another it can …show more content…
While the risk of infection is high, it varies from person to person, for example the link between an appendectomy and the increased risk of Clostridium infection. The extent of the risk is extremely high in an immunocompromised person than in a healthy individual. While the risk is lowered for healthy individuals with good personal hygiene, it is still high. Disease from normal flora isn’t common in healthy individuals, however when it does happen, the consequences are severe, such as necrotising
This pathogenic potential of the normal flora leads to a personal conclusion that it does pose the greatest risk of infectious disease due to the constant exposure to these opportunistic pathogens. There are many opportunities for the normal flora to cause infection, through medical introduction by a catheter giving direct link to the urinary tract or bloodstream, through a weakened immune system or even the smallest breach in the skin such as a paper cut. Endogenous infection is the translocation of microorganisms from one area to a more vulnerable site. If normal flora is moved from one site of the body to another it can …show more content…
While the risk of infection is high, it varies from person to person, for example the link between an appendectomy and the increased risk of Clostridium infection. The extent of the risk is extremely high in an immunocompromised person than in a healthy individual. While the risk is lowered for healthy individuals with good personal hygiene, it is still high. Disease from normal flora isn’t common in healthy individuals, however when it does happen, the consequences are severe, such as necrotising