The blaSHV gene, detected in the Urinary Tract Infection Panel by RealTime Laboratories, is a significant marker for antibiotic resistance, particularly in urinary tract infections (UTIs). This gene encodes the SHV type beta-lactamase, an enzyme that confers resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, a class that includes penicillins and cephalosporins. The presence of the blaSHV gene in UTI-causing bacteria is a critical factor in determining the appropriate antibiotic treatment, as it indicates that the bacteria may be resistant to commonly used antibiotics in this class.

Blastocystis hominis is found throughout the world in both people with and without symptoms. It is a non-pathogenic parasite. Non-pathogenic parasites are present in the gastrointestinal tract and generally are self-limiting and do not cause illness. However, some research shows an association between non-pathogenic parasites and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Blastocystis hominis is found throughout the world in both people with and without symptoms. It is a non-pathogenic parasite. Non-pathogenic parasites are present in the gastrointestinal tract and generally are self-limiting and do not cause illness. However, some research shows an association between non-pathogenic parasites and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is a unicellular protozoan found in the large intestine of humans. B. hominis is the most prevalent single-celled eukaryotic organism found in humans. It is a causative pathogen in irritable bowel disorders and the toxins released by B. hominis can contribute to fibromyalgia. This presence of B. hominis-specific immunoglobulins in the serum samples suggests that the immune action against this parasite is not limited to the intestinal level. Antibodies to the pathogen can be found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, therefore, it is still unclear whether B. hominis is a truly pathogenic organism, or a commensal, or perhaps, is capable of being a pathogen in specific circumstances.

Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is a unicellular protozoan found in the large intestine of humans. B. hominis is the most prevalent single-celled eukaryotic organism found in humans. It is a causative pathogen in irritable bowel disorders and the toxins released by B. hominis can contribute to fibromyalgia. This presence of B. hominis-specific immunoglobulins in the serum samples suggests that the immune action against this parasite is not limited to the intestinal level. Antibodies to the pathogen can be found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, therefore, it is still unclear whether B. hominis is a truly pathogenic organism, or a commensal, or perhaps, is capable of being a pathogen in specific circumstances.

What is Blastocystis spp.?

Blastocystis is a common microscopic organism that inhabits the intestine and is found throughout the world. A full understanding of the biology of Blastocystis and its relationship to other organisms is not clear, but is an active area of research. Infection with Blastocystis is called blastocystosis.

What are the symptoms of infection with Blastocystis?

Watery or loose stools, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anal itching, weight loss, constipation, and excess gas have all been reported in persons with Blastocystis infection. Many people have no symptoms at all. The organism can be found in both well and sick persons.

How long will I be infected?

Blastocystis can remain in the intestine for weeks, months, or years.

• GI Effects provides microscopic fecal specimen examination for ova and parasites (O&P), the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.

Blautia is a genus of bacteria that resides in the human gut and is involved in various important processes, including the fermentation of carbohydrates and the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. Butyrate is especially vital as it serves as a primary energy source for colon cells, supports the integrity of the gut barrier, and modulates the immune response, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the gastrointestinal tract.

Blautia has been linked to several health outcomes. For instance, a balanced presence of Blautia can contribute to a healthy gut environment, potentially protecting against certain diseases. Conversely, imbalances in Blautia levels have been associated with various conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Blautia hydrogenotrophica is a beneficial bacterial species within the Blautia genus, commonly found in the human gut microbiome. It plays an important role in breaking down dietary carbohydrates and fermentable fibers to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially acetate and precursors for butyrate, which help support intestinal health, balanced immunity, and metabolic function.

This species is known for its hydrogen-utilizing metabolism. By consuming hydrogen produced by other gut microbes, B. hydrogenotrophica helps maintain a stable microbial ecosystem and promotes efficient fermentation pathways. Balanced levels support:

• Healthy bowel motility
• Intestinal barrier protection
• Lower intestinal inflammation
• Energy production for gut cells
• Balanced gut pH
• Microbial diversity and ecosystem stability

A well-represented B. hydrogenotrophica population is often seen in individuals consuming a high-fiber, plant-rich diet, particularly those with diverse fermentable carbohydrates.

What does this marker measure?
The Blood-Brain Barrier Protein IgG + IgA marker assesses whether your immune system is producing antibodies (IgG and IgA) against specific structural proteins that make up the blood-brain barrier.

• IgG antibodies reflect systemic or long-term immune responses.

• IgA antibodies reflect mucosal or surface-level immune activity, often originating in barrier tissues such as the gut, lung, or brain lining.

Elevated levels of these antibodies suggest that the immune system has been exposed to and is reacting against blood-brain barrier proteins, which typically should be hidden from immune surveillance. This is a strong indication of BBB disruption, either past or ongoing.

What Does This Marker Measure?
The Blood-Brain Barrier Protein IgM marker detects IgM-class antibodies against structural proteins of the blood-brain barrier. This test specifically measures the immune system’s early-stage response to damage or dysfunction in the BBB.

• IgM is the first antibody type produced in an immune response.

• It typically reflects acute or recent immune activation, often in response to new or ongoing tissue damage.

• In the context of the BBB, IgM antibodies suggest that the immune system has been recently exposed to normally hidden proteins from the brain’s protective lining—indicating a possible breach or compromise in the barrier.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) measures the amount of urea-derived nitrogen circulating in your blood. Urea is produced when the liver breaks down dietary protein, and the kidneys normally filter it out efficiently. Changes in BUN can signal kidney stress, dehydration, high protein intake, or impaired liver function. Interpreting BUN alongside creatinine and eGFR provides a clearer picture of how effectively your kidneys are working.

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a physical barrier formed by the arrangement of endothelial cells and tight junctions that line the capillaries which supply blood to the brain. The tissue proteins of the BBB are also present in the enteric nervous system (ENS). The complex ENS network resides in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexus.

The ENS controls aspects of gut function, including motility, microvascular circulation, epithelial secretion of fluid, ions and bioactive peptides and intestinal barrier function.

Associated With: Individuals training for professional sports (saliva), Inflammatory bowel disease (saliva), Traumatic brain injury (serum)