>10 x 106/L squamous epithelial cells indicate skin/mucosal contamination of the sample.

What are epithelial cells?

Epithelial cells are the cells on the body's surface, such as the skin, urinary tract, blood vessels, and organs. They act as a protective barrier, stopping viruses from entering the body. Besides the protective function, epithelial cells perform other functions as well, such as:

→ Help with sensory detection of taste, smell or sight as they transfer signals through the sensory nerve endings

→ Secrete hormones, enzymes, hormones, and fluids

→ Absorb certain substances, such as nutrients from the food

→ Epithelial cells in the kidney excrete waste, and epithelial cells in the sweat glands excrete sweat

→ Filter blood, dirt, and particles

→ Allow selective diffusion of materials to pass through

In general, epithelial cells act as a barrier between the outside and inside of your body, and help protect your body from viruses.

The SS-B/La Antibody (IgG) is a biomarker used to detect the presence of specific autoantibodies in the blood, primarily associated with Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These antibodies target the SS-B/La protein, a small nuclear RNA-binding protein involved in normal cellular processes. A positive result for SS-B/La IgG indicates an autoimmune response, helping to diagnose or monitor conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, dry eyes, dry mouth, and systemic complications.

Anti-Ro (SS-A) is an autoantibody associated with SLE or Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly reacts to the tissue in glands that produce moisture, such as tear and salivary glands.

The SSA-52 (Ro52) (ENA) Antibody, IgG is an important biomarker commonly tested to help diagnose autoimmune conditions, particularly Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This antibody targets Ro52, a protein involved in cellular stress responses, and its presence can indicate immune system activity against the body’s own tissues. Elevated levels of SSA-52 (Ro52) antibodies are often associated with systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), polymyositis, or certain types of interstitial lung disease.

The SSA-60 (Ro60) Antibody, IgG biomarker is a specific autoantibody often tested as part of an ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigen) panel to aid in diagnosing autoimmune conditions. Elevated levels of SSA-60 (Ro60) antibodies are commonly associated with Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), indicating the immune system's abnormal targeting of Ro60 proteins, a component of RNA-protein complexes. This marker is particularly valuable in detecting autoimmune activity, even in cases where other tests may be inconclusive.

Anti-SS-B (anti-La) is an autoantibody associated with SLE or Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly reacts to the tissue in glands that produce moisture, such as tear and salivary glands.

ssDNA is an autoimmune diagnostic test that detects autoantibodies against single stranded DNA (ssDNA).

Antibodies to single-stranded DNA is seen in a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), drug-induced lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. This autoimmune diagnostic test can be helpful in raising clinical awareness of an underlying or evolving autoimmune disease in patients who have mild, early or non-specific symptoms.

Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum) is a black mold that produces asexual spores. S. chartarum is the usual perpetrator involved in water/moisture/wet-damaged building illnesses.

The "Stachybotrys chartarum/atra IgE" on an allergy panel is a specific test used to detect an allergic response to Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra), a type of mold often associated with damp and water-damaged buildings. This mold is commonly referred to as "black mold" due to its dark appearance and is known for producing mycotoxins that can be harmful to human health. When people are exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum, either by inhaling spores or through direct contact, their immune system may identify the mold as a threat and produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies as a defense mechanism. IgE antibodies are specialized proteins that play a key role in the body's allergic response.

The "Stachybotrys chartarum/atra IgG" marker on an allergy panel is a specific test that measures the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in your blood that react against Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra), a type of mold commonly referred to as "black mold." This mold is notorious for its potential health risks and is often found in buildings with water damage or high humidity levels. Stachybotrys chartarum produces mycotoxins that can cause various health problems when inhaled or ingested, ranging from mild allergic reactions to more severe conditions like respiratory issues and immune system suppression.

Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum) is a black mold that produces asexual spores. S. chartarum is the usual perpetrator involved in water/moisture/wet-damaged building illnesses.

Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum) is a black mold that produces asexual spores. S. chartarum is the usual perpetrator involved in water/moisture/wet-damaged building illnesses.

Staphylococcaceae, a family of bacteria that includes the well-known genus Staphylococcus, is sometimes detected in gut microbiome tests. These tests analyze the diverse array of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract, providing insights into the health and balance of the gut microbiome. Staphylococcaceae are more commonly associated with skin flora, but they can also be found in the gut, where their presence and levels can have various implications.

In a healthy individual, Staphylococcaceae in the gut usually exist in small numbers as part of the normal microbiota. However, their overgrowth or presence in higher-than-normal concentrations can be indicative of an imbalance or dysbiosis in the gut microbiome. Such an imbalance can be influenced by several factors, including dietary habits, antibiotic usage, and overall gut health. For instance, a diet high in processed foods and sugars, low in fiber, or a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the delicate balance of gut flora, potentially leading to an increase in Staphylococcaceae.

Gram-positive bacteria in the Firmicutes phylum. High levels may result from reduced digestive capacity, and intestinal inflammatory activity. Some strains may produce toxins and contribute to loose stools or diarrhea.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a crucial microbial marker in the context of human gut health and overall microbiome analysis. As a member of the Staphylococcus genus, S. epidermidis is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobe that is part of the normal human flora, predominantly residing on the skin but also found in the gut. Traditionally regarded as a benign commensal organism, S. epidermidis plays a significant role in the maintenance of skin barrier function and has been shown to possess probiotic properties that benefit gut health. It contributes to the inhibition of pathogenic bacterial colonization by competing for nutrients and space, and through the production of antimicrobial peptides.

What is Staphylococcus pasteuri?

Staphylococcus pasteuri is a species of bacteria from the Staphylococcus genus, a group that includes both harmless skin microbes and some well-known pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus. S. pasteuri is considered a coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS)—generally less aggressive than its more pathogenic relatives.

Originally isolated from dairy products and human skin, Staphylococcus pasteuri is not a dominant member of the human gut microbiome. Its presence in stool or gut microbiome tests, such as the Vibrant Wellness Gut Zoomer, may signal environmental contamination, translocation, or microbial imbalance (dysbiosis), especially if found in elevated amounts.

The marker "Staphylococcus species" on a Gut Zoomer panel by Vibrant Wellness refers to a group of bacteria included in the extensive testing to assess the health and diversity of an individual's gut microbiome. Staphylococcus is a genus of bacteria, some species of which are harmless and naturally reside in the human body, including the skin and nasal passages, while others can be pathogenic and cause infections. In the context of the Gut Zoomer panel, the presence, absence, or abundance of Staphylococcus species helps provide insights into the microbial balance within the gut. A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. An overgrowth of pathogenic Staphylococcus species could potentially lead to undesirable symptoms and may indicate an imbalance in gut flora or an increased risk for certain health conditions. Conversely, the normal presence of non-pathogenic Staphylococcus species can be a part of a healthy gut microbiome.