Microcheck 252

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 | Causative Agent

Normally the urine and urinary tract are free of microorganisms above the entrance to the bladder, but the lower urethra hosts a number of genera of bacteria. During the child-bearing years, a woman's hormones are important in the vagina's resistance to infection, because estrogen promotes growth of lactobacilli and acidic conditions.

■ Which parts of the genitourinary system are normally sterile?

■ Name two species of pathogenic bacteria to which the vagina is especially susceptible during childhood.

■ What changes might occur in the vagina if lactobacilli were eliminated.