The microbial skin flora that do not colonize and do not survive on the hands for long periods are known as what?

Transient flora refers to microbial skin flora that temporarily inhabit the skin but do not establish permanent colonies. These microorganisms can come from various sources, such as surfaces, other people, or the environment. They are typically present on the skin for a short time and can be easily removed through handwashing or sanitizing.

The distinction between transient flora and other types of flora is important in infection control, as transient flora are often the ones responsible for the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Proper hand hygiene is essential in removing these transient microorganisms to prevent infection spread.

In contrast, resident flora are microorganisms that are naturally found on the skin and colonize it more permanently. They play a crucial role in protecting the skin from pathogenic organisms but remain on the skin even after washing. Pathogenic flora specifically refer to microorganisms that can cause disease, while commensal flora are those that may coexist harmlessly with the host. Understanding these differences is critical for effectively managing infection control practices.