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Microbiologic aerobic studies on normal male urethra.
D Montagnini Spaine1, E M Mamizuka, A Pereira Cedenho
1Disciplina de Urologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Urology
|August 5, 2000
Summary
The normal male urethra harbors abundant bacterial flora, primarily gram-positive aerobic bacteria, concentrated at the external urethral orifice and navicular fossa. This study identified common bacterial species in these segments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Human Microbiome
Background:
- The male urethra harbors a complex bacterial microbiome.
- Understanding the composition and distribution of this flora is crucial for diagnosing and treating urogenital conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To semiquantitatively evaluate and identify Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in the external urethral orifice, navicular fossa, and penile urethra of healthy males.
- To characterize the distribution and abundance of bacterial species in different urethral segments.
Main Methods:
- Samples were collected from 30 healthy, uncircumcised males aged 18-40.
- Bacterial cultures were performed on sheep blood agar and MacConkey agar plates.
- Colony quantification and identification were conducted after 24-hour incubation.
Main Results:
- Bacterial colonization was observed in all three segments in 40% of participants, two segments in 33.3%, and one segment in 26.7%.
- The external urethral orifice showed the highest frequency of colonization.
- Commonly isolated bacteria included Staphylococcus coagulase-negative, viridans alpha-hemolytic streptococci, Corynebacterium, and Enterococcus species.
Conclusions:
- The male urethral flora is abundant and unevenly distributed, with higher concentrations in the external urethral orifice and navicular fossa.
- The predominant bacteria in the normal male urethra are Gram-positive aerobic species.