Chapter 13.L2, Problem 1CT

Discuss the relationship between the vaginal residents and the colonization of the newborn.

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The relationship between the vaginal residents and the colonization of the newborns.

Introduction:

The vagina houses various microbes which changes with pre-puberty and after puberty and return back to pre-puberty conditions after menopause. From the point of the amniotic sac breaking, microbes from the mother’s vagina enter the womb. Even more extensive exposure occurs during the birth process itself, when the baby unavoidably comes into intimate contact with the birth canal.

Explanation of Solution

Estrogen normally stimulates the vaginal mucosa to secrete glycogen, which certain bacteria (primarily Lactobacillus species) ferment, thus lowering the pH to about 4.5. Before puberty a girl produces little estrogen and little glycogen and has a vaginal pH of about 7. These conditions favor the establishment of diphtheroids,3 staphylococci, streptococci, and some coliforms. As hormone levels rise at puberty, the vagina begins to deposit glycogen, and the microbiota shift to the acid-producing lactobacilli. It is thought that the acidic pH of the vagina during this time prevents the establishment and invasion of microbes with potential to harm a developing fetus. The estrogenglycogen effect continues, with minor disruption, throughout the childbearing years until menopause. Within 8 to 12 hours after delivery, the newborn typically has been colonized by bacteria such as streptococci, staphylococci, and lactobacilli, acquired primarily from its mother.

Conclusion

Hence, it may be concluded that the newborn gets several resident microbes from the vagina and birth canal during pregnancy and birth.