Quantitative microbiology of human vulva

The microbial flora of the vulva is described and compared with the flora of the forearm by utilizing the detergent scrub method. Microbial counts were higher on the vulva (2.8 x 10(6)/cm2) than on the forearm (6.4 x 10(2)/cm2). Lipophilic diphtheroids, coagulase negative staphylococci, micrococci, non-lipophilic diphtheroids and lactobacilli formed the dominant flora of the vulva. Streptococci, Gram negative rods and yeasts were also noted. The highest incidence of S. aureus was noted on the vulva (67%) followed by perianal (30%), nose (30%), and the forearm (11%).