Role of Normal Flora and the Human Body

Normal flora, or microflora, refers to the millions of microorganisms that reside in or on the human body without causing disease.
These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, and inhabit areas of the body such as the skin, mouth, digestive system, respiratory system, and urogenital tract.
They are integral in maintaining health by out-competing potential pathogens for nutrients and attachment sites, thus effectively acting as the body’s first line of defence against infection.
Normal flora also contributes to the development of the immune system. Exposure to these microbes helps the body learn to distinguish between normal, non-harmful organisms and potential pathogens.
Some types of microflora, particularly in the gut, aid in the digestion of food by breaking down complex substances or producing essential vitamins such as vitamin K and certain B vitamins.
Normal flora can become potentially harmful or pathogenic if they enter areas of the body where they are not usually found or if the immune system becomes compromised. This is referred to as an opportunistic infection.
To maintain a healthy balance of normal flora, regular hand washing and good hygiene practises are crucial. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and taking care of one’s overall health can ensure that the immune system is strong and capable of managing the normal flora efficiently.
In certain medical or surgical procedures, steps may be taken to reduce or eliminate the normal flora to prevent possible infection. This has to be managed carefully as removing normal flora can also make the body more susceptible to other infections.
More research is being conducted into the use of ‘probiotics’. These are supplements containing live beneficial microorganisms, aimed at restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of normal flora, especially following treatment with antibiotics, which can disrupt this balance.