Normal Microflora

It is intended that the book will provide an introduction to the normal microflora for those studying disciplines within the health sciences, and for those in the food industry where interest in the microbiology of the digestive tract, especially with respect to lactic acid bacteria, is topical. This work describes the normal microflora of the human body (the collection of microbial species that inhabit the bodies of healthy human beings) and the consequences of the intimate relationships that we share with them. After considering the general complexity of normal microflora, it deals with the acquisition of the normal microflora, the association of microbes with host surfaces and their influence on host characteristics, the role of the normal microflora in health and disease, and their potential for modification. Discussion focuses on the human body, although the microflora of other species has been included where appropriate. This text should be useful as a text and reference work for professionals, teachers and students in microbiology, food and medical microbiology, health sciences, biology and medical laboratory sciences.