Clinically Relevant Microbial Signals at Bactera

With the Bactera Microbiome 360° Complex and Premium packages, we analyze your sample for DNA signatures of up to 40 clinically relevant bacteria, parasites, and viruses that have been associated with digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.

Some of these microorganisms may be present without causing symptoms, while others can contribute to imbalances that resemble conditions like IBS or food intolerance. Identifying such microbial patterns can provide valuable insights into your gut ecosystem and support more informed discussions with your healthcare provider.

How to understand the result

Shotgun DNA sequencing is a highly sensitive method capable of detecting microbial DNA even at very low levels. The presence of a microorganism does not necessarily indicate an active infection or disease. Instead, these findings represent microbial signals that should always be interpreted in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and, if needed, confirmed through targeted clinical diagnostic testing. This report is intended to provide informational and research-based insights and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

List of microorganisms we screen for:

1. Bacterial

These species are often responsible for "post-infectious IBS," where gut dysfunction continues long after the initial illness has passed.

Pathogen Group	Common Species	Typical Symptoms	Transmission
Gastrointestinal	Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella	Acute diarrhea, fever, cramps, bloody stools.	Undercooked poultry, eggs, poor hygiene.
Antibiotic-Linked	C. difficile, Klebsiella oxytoca	Severe diarrhea, colitis, intense bloating.	Healthcare settings, post-antibiotic use.
Inflammatory	Yersinia, Listeria	Pain mimicking appendicitis, chronic inflammation.	Pork, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats.
Stomach-Specific	Helicobacter pylori	Gastritis, ulcers, persistent nausea.	Saliva, contaminated water/food.
Water/Seafood	Vibrio, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas	Watery diarrhea, nausea.	Raw seafood, freshwater, seawater.

2. Parasites & Protozoa

Parasitic infections can persist for years, causing malabsorption and fatigue without ever causing an "acute" illness.

Organism Type	Species Examples	Clinical Signposts
Protozoa	Giardia, Entamoeba, Blastocystis	Chronic bloating, "IBS-like" shifts, fatigue, dysentery.
Coccidia	Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora	Prolonged watery diarrhea, weight loss.
IBS-Linked	Dientamoeba fragilis	Abdominal pain, alternating stool habits.
Helminths (Worms)	Ascaris, Trichuris, Taenia, Pinworms	Malnutrition, anal itching, abdominal discomfort.

3. Viral Pathogens

While often considered "short-term" issues, viral shedding and the presence of viral RNA in the gut can significantly alter the microbiome landscape.

Virus Family	Key Species	Impact on Gut Health
Systemic/Gut	Adenovirus	Diarrhea, abdominal pain, respiratory overlap.

Interpreting Your Results

If your Bactera Microbiome 360° report indicates the presence of microbial DNA associated with clinically relevant microorganisms:

Do not interpret this as a diagnosis
The detection of microbial DNA does not confirm an active infection or disease. Many microorganisms can be present in the gut without causing symptoms.

Clinical context is essential
These findings represent microbial signals that must be interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history, and clinical evaluation.

Seek medical confirmation if needed
If you experience symptoms, a qualified healthcare professional may recommend targeted diagnostic testing (e.g., PCR or culture) to confirm or rule out a clinically relevant condition.

No treatment decisions based on this report alone
This report does not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations and should not be used as a basis for self-treatment.