Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is part of the obligatory flora of the human colon. E. coli is capable of producing antimicrobially active substances, thereby counteracting enteropathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, E. coli plays important roles in stimulating the gut-associated immune system. The reduced detection of E. coli suggests a weakening of colonization resistance. Elevated levels indicate putrefaction processes in the body. Toxic metabolic products can accordingly burden the body. Possible causes may include reduced intestinal mucosal immunity, decreased levels of Bifidobacteria, and an excess of protein.

Proteus

Proteus is one of the most common bacterial genera in the human intestine, along with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. However, Proteus is also found in many other environments and is often found in increased levels in hospitals and nursing homes. As a particularly active proteolytic microorganism with its metabolic by-products, Proteus can significantly burden the body.

Citrobacter

Citrobacter belongs to the family of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria and is part of the normal intestinal flora. Citrobacter is commonly found in water, soil, and on food. It can be transmitted from person to person. Some strains of Citrobacter are potential producers of enterotoxins, often without clinical manifestation.

Klebsiella

Klebsiella also belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Overgrowth of Klebsiella usually does not cause symptoms in most cases. However, there are some strains that produce an enterotoxin, which can cause diarrhea. A low-starch diet may be helpful if there is an increased level of Klebsiella bacteria.

Other Enterobacteriaceae

An increased detection of Enterobacteriaceae suggests deficiencies in colonization resistance in the intestine. Possible causes may include: malnutrition, digestive disorders, past antibiotic treatments. A larger quantity of these bacteria does not belong in the normal intestinal flora.

Enterococci

Enterococci are part of the obligatory flora in the small and large intestines. By producing short-chain fatty acids during the breakdown of carbohydrates and acidifying the intestinal environment, as well as producing bactericidal substances, enterococci contribute to stabilizing the intestinal milieu and counteracting putrefactive bacteria. A reduced detection of enterococci indicates a disrupted intestinal milieu and an increased risk of colonization by foreign bacteria.

Pseudomonas

Pseudomonas bacteria are found in water and soil as well as on fruits and vegetables. Bottled water is a common source of Pseudomonas infection, but elevated levels can also be attributed to previous antibiotic therapy.

Bacteroides

In the colon, Bacteroides make up the largest proportion of the obligate flora. They metabolize proteins and produce short-chain fatty acids when digesting indigestible carbohydrates. A reduced detection of Bacteroides suggests deficiencies in the intestinal flora as well as reduced colonization resistance.

Bifidobacteria

Bifidobacteria belong to the anaerobic bacteria. They are part of the obligatory intestinal flora of the large intestine and, to a lesser extent, the small intestine in humans. Due to their quantitative presence in the intestine, they play important roles in colonization resistance: Bifidobacteria metabolize only carbohydrates, meaning they are pure saccharolytic organisms. During the breakdown of carbohydrates, short-chain fatty acids are produced, which acidify the intestine and counteract putrefactive bacteria. Bifidobacteria reduce intestinal gas production. Through the production of short-chain fatty acids, they work synergistically with lactobacilli and enterococci. A reduced detection of Bifidobacteria suggests putrefaction processes and may contribute to constipation.

Lactobacilli

Lactobacilli are part of the obligatory flora of the small and large intestines. Lactobacilli are pure saccharolytic organisms – they metabolize only carbohydrates. Through various metabolic by-products, they inhibit the growth of foreign bacteria and the proliferation of putrefactive bacteria, such as clostridium spp. or Proteus spp. A reduced detection of lactobacilli suggests deficiencies in the defense against foreign and putrefactive bacteria. Possible causes may include: inadequate carbohydrate intake, proliferation of putrefactive bacteria, disturbed mucous membranes.

Clostridia

Clostridia are part of the resident intestinal flora of the large intestine and have no positive effects on the intestinal milieu. They produce gas and can therefore cause bloating. An increased detection of Clostridia suggests putrefaction processes in the body. Due to their strong metabolic activity, Clostridia can burden the body with toxic metabolic by-products. Causes for elevated levels may include: unbalanced diet (high in protein & fat), digestive disorders. Exception: In older individuals, Clostridia without clinical significance may be detected more frequently due to reduced chewing ability, certain intestinal sluggishness, and altered dietary habits in old age.

pH value

The pH value of stool should range between 6.2 and 6.8 in a mixed diet. An elevated or decreased pH value in stool indicates disturbances in the composition of the stool flora. For instance, in the case of a high pH value due to a protein-rich diet, proteolytic putrefactive bacteria may predominate, raising the pH value through alkaline metabolic by-products.

Candida albicans

The genus Candida consists of approximately 200 different species. Candida albicans is the most common among them. Most people have a certain level of Candida in their intestines. However, the immune system, particularly the intestinal bacteria, keep the fungi in check and prevent widespread proliferation. Only through a combination of various factors can uncontrolled growth occur, leading to various symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, bloating, or joint pain.

Candida spp. (species)

Elevated Candida levels indicate a weakened immune defense of the intestine, imbalances in the intestinal flora, or damaged mucous membranes. Candida produces toxic waste products, which is why some individuals may react strongly to even a small excess with severe symptoms.

Geotrichum candidum

Geotrichum candidum belongs to the family Endomycetaceae. This organism is found in soil and dairy products, as well as on human skin and in our mucous membranes. Symptoms of an infection with Geotrichum can include diarrhea and gastroenteritis (stomach flu), among others.

Mold fungi

Mold-related illnesses are triggered by exposure to toxic molds, typically through ingestion via food or exposure to moldy indoor environments. When molds settle and proliferate in spaces, they begin to produce mycotoxins and harmful gases. Vulnerable individuals living in water-damaged, moldy environments are at risk of developing severe illnesses through inhaling and ingesting mold spores, as well as exposure to by-products of mold metabolism, such as mycotoxins. These toxic burdens can cause immune disorders, chronic inflammation, allergies and asthma, gastrointestinal diseases, cognitive problems, and neurological symptoms.

Helicobacter pylori antigen

The detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen indicates an infection with this bacterium. Helicobacter lowers the acidity level in the stomach while simultaneously damaging the stomach lining. It is also suspected of causing ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.

Pancreatic Elastase 1

Decreased levels of Pancreatic Elastase 1 indicate pancreatic insufficiency. In addition to manifest pancreatic insufficiency, characterized by a significant decrease in pancreatic enzymes, there is also an increasingly observed latent insufficiency of the pancreas, which does not yet involve the loss of endocrine and exocrine function. Often, pancreatic insufficiency is preceded causally by latent pancreatic inflammation.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin

Alpha-1-antitrypsin is an acute-phase protein synthesized in the liver and intestinal cells. During inflammation, it limits damage to healthy tissue. Since alpha-1-antitrypsin is not significantly cleaved or absorbed, increased levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin can be detected during inflammation with increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa.

Secretory IgA (sIgA)

Secretory IgA (sIgA) is a parameter for both the state of the gut-associated immune system (GALT) and the permeability of the intestinal mucosa (intestinal mucosa), meaning it is responsible for controlled substance transport through the mucosa. Decreased sIgA levels indicate reduced activity of the mucosa-associated immune system and may be associated with increased permeability. An increase in secretory IgA indicates enhanced immunological activity of the intestinal mucosa. Possible causes may include: local inflammatory processes, allergic reactions in the intestinal mucosa, chronic inflammation in the intestinal area, and immune function disturbances.

Worm eggs

Under the microscope, we specifically examine your sample for worm eggs and then determine the species of any eggs found.

Note: Eggs of the fox tapeworm are not passed in stool and therefore cannot be determined through a stool test. Imaging techniques are required for diagnosis. Similarly, with pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis), their eggs also do not appear in stool, as the worms deposit them directly on the perianal skin.

Cryptosporidium species

Cryptosporidium belongs to the genus of single-celled parasites that serve various vertebrates as hosts. They are found worldwide and are typically transmitted through contaminated water, but also through raw food or pets. An infection usually resolves on its own after a few weeks. However, individuals with weakened immune systems may experience chronic symptoms. In addition to diarrhea, common symptoms include weight loss, mild fever, and dizziness.

Entamoeba histolytica

Entamoeba histolytica is a single-celled parasite responsible for the condition known as amoebic dysentery. This parasite causes purulent intestinal ulcers, which in turn lead to a variety of symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloody or mucousy diarrhea, or constipation. In rare cases, the parasites migrate to the liver, where they destroy tissue and cause abscesses. However, often an infection is asymptomatic or the disease may only manifest years or decades after the infection. Transmission occurs through contaminated food, such as food contaminated with human feces, but can also occur during sexual activity.

Giardia lamblia

The pathogen Giardia lamblia is widespread worldwide. It is transmitted through contaminated food, water (either through drinking water or bathing in contaminated waters), or directly from person to person, for example, during sexual intercourse. The incubation period is approximately 1 week. Symptoms range from a feeling of pressure in the upper right abdomen, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea to vomiting and fever. Malabsorption often leads to weight loss as well.

General

Please read the following instructions in detail, before starting with the sample collection.