Oropharyngeal microflora (null)

Oropharyngeal microflora refers to the complex, symbiotic community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms inhabiting the oropharynx, a region that includes the back of the mouth and upper part of the throat. These microbes form part of the normal human upper airway microbiome and play crucial roles in defending against invading pathogens, modulating local immunity, and participating in metabolic processes relevant to oral and systemic health. The composition of the oropharyngeal microflora can be altered by antibiotics, leading to increased risk of infection or colonization by opportunistic organisms. Patterns in oropharyngeal microbiome composition are emerging as potential biomarkers in research exploring links to diseases such as severe respiratory viral illness, but this is not a single, classically druggable target. Disruption of the normal oropharyngeal microflora is a concern in both infection control (for example, in ventilated patients) and after antimicrobial therapy.

Other names

Oropharyngeal microbiotaOropharyngeal floraOropharyngeal microbiomeThroat microbiota

Disruption or modulation of microbial balance (for antibiotics and decontaminants)