STUDIES ON THE STABILITY OF THE NORMAL HUMAN FECAL FLORA

Abstract

Zubrzycki, Leonard (Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa.) and Earle H. Spaulding . Studies on the stability of the normal human fecal flora. J. Bacteriol. 83: 968–974. 1962.—The results of two series of stool cultures show that members of the genus Bacteriodes constitute the most numerous group of bacteria in the normal human adult fecal flora. Together with the enterococci, coliform bacilli, diphtheroids, and lactobacilli, these major components account for more than 99% of the total counts. Wide fluctuations in the number and types of minor organisms observed suggest the probability that they are held in check by these major components which may also possess mechanisms for preventing pathogens from establishing themselves in the large bowel.