Clostridium species, when identified in a gastrointestinal (GI) test, can be of significant clinical interest due to their diverse roles in human health and disease. Members of the Clostridium genus are a part of the normal gut flora in humans and animals, but certain species can become pathogenic under specific conditions. Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is particularly noteworthy; it's known for causing infections in the GI tract, especially after the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that disrupt the normal gut microbiota. C. difficile infections (CDI) are a major concern in healthcare settings, as they can lead to conditions ranging from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis.

Clostridium spp. is a genus belonging to the phylum Firmicutes. While interpreting the literature, careful attention should be paid to the phylogenetic classification of this group due to minor spelling differences between the taxonomic levels. Beyond the phylum level, it is broken down as follows: Class: Clostridia, Order: Clostridiales, Family: Clostridiaceae, and finally, Genus: Clostridium. 

The Clostridium genus contains more than 100 species, most of which are commensal, however it does include pathogens. The literature discusses Clostridial clusters, which may include other species belonging to Eubacterium, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Butyrivibrio, Faecalibacterium and other genera. These clusters exist due to historic issues with classification, where unclassified species would be moved into the Clostridium category.

Linked to Parkinson’s disease

The CMV Latent marker is a laboratory test result used to determine if a person has been previously infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and if the virus is present in a dormant state in their body. CMV is a widespread virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. While it can infect anyone, most healthy individuals with CMV do not show symptoms and may not even be aware they have it. Once a person is infected, the virus remains in their body for life, typically lying dormant or "latent" within certain cells.

The CMV lytic marker is a term used in medical testing to detect the active phase of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. CMV is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family, and while it can infect anyone, it often remains dormant in the body after the initial infection.

When the virus is in its lytic phase, it means that it is actively replicating and producing new virus particles, which can potentially cause symptoms or complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, or those undergoing chemotherapy.

Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that usually causes no or only mild symptoms. Cytomegalovirus testing detects antibodies in the blood that the body produces in response to the infection or detects CMV directly.

Hair may be used for monitoring excess exposure to cobalt (Co). However, hair is occasionally contaminated by external Co from some hair treatments. If an individual’s hair has been treated with permanent solutions, dyes, or bleach, the Co levels may not be indicative of body Co accumulation.

Humans absorb Co both as inorganic Co and as vitamin B-12; the body pools of each fluctuate independently. Humans cannot convert inorganic Co to vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-12 provides the only documented function of Co in humans. Thus, a high hair Co level does not mean that vitamin B-12 levels are high or even adequate.

The Cobalt (Urine) biomarker helps assess your body’s cobalt levels and whether you may have been exposed to an unhealthy amount of this metal. While cobalt is essential in small amounts, elevated levels can signal an underlying issue that requires further evaluation. If you have concerns about your test results, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the next steps.

Cobalt (Co) is an essential trace element due to its well-known role in vitamin B12, important in hematopoiesis and thyroid function. The consequences of B12 deficiency are well known, including central nervous system complaints, pernicious anemia, and potentially fatal macrocytic anemia. Ingested cobalt is largely excreted in urine. Whole-blood cobalt was detected at approximately 0.17 μg/L in patients awaiting surgery. Toxicity may occur at cobalt intakes above 300 mg/d, although even therapeutic doses at 29.5 mg/d have been associated with toxicity, including goiter, hypothyroidism, and heart failure. 

Cobalt is an essential trace element that is part of the NutriStat Basic Profile by US BioTek, and it plays a crucial role in our overall health. Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is vital for red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. When you see cobalt levels measured in your profile, it’s usually reflecting your body's intake and utilization of vitamin B12.

Hair may be used for monitoring excess exposure to cobalt (Co). However, hair is occasionally contaminated by external Co from some hair treatments. If an individual’s hair has been treated with permanent solutions, dyes, or bleach, the Co levels may not be indicative of body Co accumulation.

Humans absorb Co both as inorganic Co and as vitamin B-12; the body pools of each fluctuate independently. Humans cannot convert inorganic Co to vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-12 provides the only documented function of Co in humans. Thus, a high hair Co level does not mean that vitamin B-12 levels are high or even adequate.