The microbial flora of the vagina and its relationship to bacteriuria in diabetic and non-diabetic women.

The vaginal and urinary flora have been studied in 57 diabetic and 33 non-diabetic patients. In both populations, no correlation was found between urogenital symptoms and colonisation of the vagina. There was no greater prevalence of potentially pathogenic organisms in diabetic patients, even when control was poor. However, although not statistically significant, group B streptococci were isolated more frequently from poorly controlled diabetics. Bacteriuria was not significantly more common in diabetics. Gram-negative bacilli were found in the vagina significantly more often in bacteriuric patients; the prevalence of such organisms being four-fold greater after the menopause.