Description:
The Bacteriology Culture with Sensitivities test is designed to measure levels of beneficial, commensal (harmless), and pathogenic intestinal bacteria. In a healthy balanced state of intestinal flora, the beneficial bacteria make up a significant proportion of the total microflora. However, in many individuals we see an imbalance of beneficial bacteria and an overgrowth of non-beneficial or even pathogenic microorganisms (dysbiosis). This can be due to a variety of factors including: daily exposure to chemicals in our drinking water that are toxic to friendly bacteria, the use of antibiotics, chronic consumption of highly processed foods (low in fiber, high in sugar), and high stress levels.
In this test bacteria contained in stool samples are cultured to identify the presence and relative abundance of specific beneficial, imbalanced, and dysbiotic bacteria. When dysbiotic bacteria are present, further testing is performed to determine which natural and pharmaceutical agents might eradicate the patient’s specific bacteria. The Bacteria Culture with Sensitivities test is typically performed as a follow up to a Comprehensive Stool Analysis and Parasitology (CSAP) test to determine the efficacy of therapeutic treatment. Does not include Yeast culture (included in the test Microbiology with Sensitivities (bacteria & yeast))