Chapter 95 Microbiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract / 15 pages
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7670/
General Concepts
Composition and Distribution of the Intestinal Microflora
The intestinal microflora is a complex ecosystem containing over 400 bacterial species.
Anaerobes outnumber facultative anaerobes. The flora is sparse in the stomach and upper intestine, but luxuriant in the lower bowel. Bacteria occur both in the lumen and attached to the mucosa, but do not normally penetrate the bowel wall.
The gastrointestinal tract is a marvel of nature, complex design, for the single purpose of breaking down and removing waste from the human body. All action is designed to eliminate waste going in one direction, downward+out. It’s for removing bacteria/waste.
It’s not a receptacle for deposits of any description.
The sheer numbers of bacteria present in a healthy GI tract guarantee there will always be potential for new pathogens to develop.
It’s not a playground. It’s a proven source of disease.
It’s reasonable to believe the potential for deadly disease has been a factor throughout history+cultures regarding taboos.
Reliable supplies of clean water and soap, medicines, etc., are not readily available in all countries. Self-restraint is necessary.
Prevention is necessary.
i recall reading in some African countries where HIV-AIDS was prevalent, children were vulnerable to rape, with the thinking they were less likely to have been sexually active, therefore less likely to be infected. This world can be ugly.