Influence of menstrual cycle stages on normal microbial flora of the reproductive tract in female baboons (Papio species)
Abstract
Qualitative and quantitative studies in humans as well as animal model studies have
confirmed that the vaginal flora is a dynamic and closely interrelated system. Detailed
studies on the effects of the phase of the menstrual cycle which depends on the levels of
reproductive hormones, on the vaginal microbial flora are lacking, and there have been no
studies on non-human primates, which are considered to be appropriate models for human
studies, In this study, the effect of phase of the menstrual on normal vaginal flora was
investigated in 59 baboons of reproductive age. Vaginal swabs were obtained once from
each animal and cultured on appropriate media for bacterial growth. Identification of
bacteria was done on the basis oxygen utilization, culture media, morphology, Gram stain
and biochemical reactions.
Many facultative aerobes and anaerobes were identified. Twenty-six different bacterial
species were isolated and identified from the olive baboons, and fifteen from the yellow
baboons.
Citation
M.Sc ThesisSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Facult of Science, University of Nairobi
Description
Master of Science Thesis