Aspergillus Ag, BAL (Bronchoalveolar Lavage) is a vital test for diagnosing pulmonary aspergillosis, caused by the Aspergillus fungus. It's especially crucial for patients with weakened immune systems. This minimally invasive procedure involves analyzing lavage fluid from the lungs for Aspergillus antigens, providing a rapid and accurate diagnosis. Early detection through Aspergillus Ag, BAL enables prompt antifungal treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes.

What is Aspergillus?

Aspergillus, the mold (a type of fungus) that causes aspergillosis, is very common both indoors and outdoors, so most people breathe in fungal spores every day. It’s probably impossible to completely avoid breathing in some Aspergillus spores. For people with healthy immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus isn’t harmful. However, for people who have weakened immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus spores can cause an infection in the lungs or sinuses which can spread to other parts of the body.

There are approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human Aspergillus infections. Other common species include A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger.

Aspergillus Auto-Toxin (Sterigmatocystin) carcinogenic (causes cancer), mutagenic (causes mutations), andteratogenic (causes malformations of the fetus), hepatotoxic (liver); can cause autoimmune diseases.

Sterigmatocystin (STG) is a mycotoxin that is closely related to aflatoxin. STG is produced from several species of mold such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Bipolaris. It is considered to be carcinogenic, particularly in the cells of the GI tract and liver. STG has been found in the dust from damp carpets.

Aspergillus Auto-Toxin (Sterigmatocystin) carcinogenic (causes cancer), mutagenic (causes mutations), andteratogenic (causes malformations of the fetus), hepatotoxic (liver); can cause autoimmune diseases.

Sterigmatocystin (STG) is a mycotoxin that is closely related to aflatoxin. STG is produced from several species of mold such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Bipolaris. It is considered to be carcinogenic, particularly in the cells of the GI tract and liver. STG has been found in the dust from damp carpets.

The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes allergic diseases, respiratory illnesses, and bloodstream infections.

Found worldwide, Aspergillus fumigatus can colonize in the bronchial tracts of asthmatics, causing severe asthma and low lung functions and sometimes leading to severe conditions.

Within the larger Aspergillus genus, Aspergillus fumigatus is typically blue-green to gray in color with a woolly or cotton-like texture. Although Aspergillus is considered a seasonal outdoor mold that's often found on decaying vegetation, it can also colonize indoor environments such as air-conditioning systems, and it's one of the three most common indoor airborne fungi (along with Penicillium and Cladosporium).

Aspergillus requires minimal moisture, and some species tolerate very dry conditions. As such, Aspergillus can grow rapidly in areas that can't support other molds. It produces small, dry, and easily aerosolized spores, which make them a significant indoor air contaminant. If you're allergic to Aspergillus fumigatus, you may experience symptoms after inhaling its spores.

Aspergillus Hemolysis can cause immune suppression and is carcinogenic.

Aspergillus is the genus of asexual spore-forming mold species common in many climates. It is found in soil, water and air. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus are common molds to which humans are exposed.

Aspergillus Hemolysis can cause immune suppression and is carcinogenic.

Aspergillus is the genus of asexual spore-forming mold species common in many climates. It is found in soil, water and air. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus are common molds to which humans are exposed.

Aspergillus/Penicillium Neuro Auto-Toxin (Gliotoxin) can cause immune suppression, neurotoxicity (has been linked to multiple sclerosis and others), immune toxicity.

Gliotoxin  is produced by the mold genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus spreads in the environment by releasing conidia which are capable of infiltrating the small alveolar airways of individuals. In order to evade the body’s defenses Aspergillus releases Gliotoxin to inhibit the immune system. One of the targets of Gliotoxin is PtdIns (3,4,5) P3. This result in the downregulation of phagocytic immune defense, which can lead to the exacerbation of polymicrobial infections. Gliotoxin impairs the activation of T-cells and induces apoptosis in monocytes and in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These impairments to dendritic cells can lead to multiple neurological syndromes. Retesting is recommended after 3-6 months of treatment.

Gliotoxin is produced by the common indoor mold genus Aspergillus and is immunosuppressive (=it can dampen the body's ability to ward off disease and infection).

Aspergillus/Penicillium Neuro Auto-Toxin (Gliotoxin) can cause immune suppression, neurotoxicity (has been linked to multiple sclerosis and others), immune toxicity.

Gliotoxin  is produced by the mold genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus spreads in the environment by releasing conidia which are capable of infiltrating the small alveolar airways of individuals. In order to evade the body’s defenses Aspergillus releases Gliotoxin to inhibit the immune system. One of the targets of Gliotoxin is PtdIns (3,4,5) P3. This result in the downregulation of phagocytic immune defense, which can lead to the exacerbation of polymicrobial infections. Gliotoxin impairs the activation of T-cells and induces apoptosis in monocytes and in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These impairments to dendritic cells can lead to multiple neurological syndromes. Retesting is recommended after 3-6 months of treatment.

Gliotoxin is produced by the common indoor mold genus Aspergillus and is immunosuppressive (=it can dampen the body's ability to ward off disease and infection).

The AST/ALT ratio, also known as the De Ritis ratio, is a calculated value from two liver enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). These enzymes are found primarily in the liver and play a key role in amino acid metabolism. The ratio helps doctors assess liver health and identify potential liver diseases or other underlying conditions.

Astrovirus can cause diarrheal illness (gastroenteritis). Infants and young children are most likely to have diarrhea caused by astroviruses, but the infection also occurs in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

What is Atopobium?

Atopobium is a genus of bacteria that resides in the human body, most notably in the gut, oral cavity, and urogenital tract. It is classified as a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, meaning it thrives in low-oxygen environments like the gastrointestinal tract. In small, balanced amounts, Atopobium plays a relatively neutral role in the gut microbiome. However, when levels become too high or too low, it can be a signal of microbial imbalance—also known as dysbiosis—that may contribute to various health issues.

On the Vibrant Wellness Gut Zoomer panel, Atopobium is measured to help assess your gut’s microbial composition and overall digestive health. This marker is part of a larger picture that helps determine if your gut is in balance—or if certain bacteria are overgrowing or missing.