INITIAL AEROBIC FLORA OF NEWBORN INFANTS

Abstract

In a preceding report¹ the initial flora of the upper respiratory tract of newborn, premature infants was described with reference to its source, character and time of appearance under various environmental conditions. A similar study of full term infants is presented here. The objects of this study were to compare the observations for the full term group with those for the premature group and particularly to determine the receptivity of full term infants to pathogens of the respiratory tract and to certain nonpathogens carried in the nose and throat of their nursing mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Like those in the previous study, the infants in the present investigation were born in the obstetric division of the New York Hospital. Each of the three nurseries in the hospital has a floor area of approximately 18 by 20 feet (5.5 by 6 meters) and a ceiling height of 12 feet (3.65