Does circumcision alter the periurethral bacterial flora?

S S Wijesinha; B L Atkins; N E Dudley; P K Tam

doi:10.1007/s003830050270

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Does circumcision alter the periurethral bacterial flora?

S S Wijesinha·B L Atkins·N E Dudley·P K Tam

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Abstract

A prospective study of 25 boys who underwent circumcision for medical reason was performed. Specimens of periurethral bacterial flora were taken before operation as well as 3 weeks after surgery, so that each boy acted as his own control. Before circumcision, 13 (52%) harboured uropathogenic organisms (Escherichia coli and other coliforms, Enterococcus spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas spp, and Klebsiella spp); after circumcision, none of the boys had uropathogens, the only organisms cultured from the periurethral region being skin commensals. We postulate that circumcision converts a 'cul-de-sac' that is a reservoir of organisms capable of causing ascending urinary tract infection into a surface colonised by natural skin organisms. This study provides circumstantial evidence supporting the idea that circumcision in well-selected patients may confer protection from urine infection.

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Bacteria Bacterial Infections Child Child, Preschool Circumcision, Male Humans Male Penis Prospective Studies Risk Factors Urethra Urinary Tract Infections Journal Article

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S S Wijesinha, B L Atkins, N E Dudley, P K Tam. 1998. Does circumcision alter the periurethral bacterial flora?. https://doi.org/10.1007/s003830050270

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