[Modern methods for the evaluation of qualitative and quantitative changes in the characteristics of intestinal and vaginal microflora].

Disturbances in normal intestinal and vaginal microflora in women have recently become quite frequent. This accounts for the need of bacteriological laboratories for introduction of reliable methods for the diagnosis of such disturbances. Correct methodological approaches to objective evaluation of the state of intestinal and vaginal microflora are described. The methods used in the study of anaerobic microflora (lacto- and bifidobacteria, eubacteria, peptostreptococci, clostridia, bacteriods, fusobacteria) and facultative anaerobic microorganisms (enterobacteria, staphylococci, streptococci, Gardnerella, fungi of the genus Candida) have been analyzed. All stages of the study are described in consecutive order: the transportation of the material under study, its treatment in a laboratory, the spectrum of selective nutrient media for the isolation of microorganisms, methods of their identification.