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.

Staphylococcus species, commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, are a diverse group of bacteria. Some species are harmless and part of the normal gut flora, while others, like Staphylococcus aureus, can be pathogenic. The presence of Staphylococcus in the gut microbiome is a natural occurrence, but an overgrowth may indicate an imbalance or potential infection. Scientifically, their role in the GI tract is complex, as they can interact with the immune system and impact gut health. Elevated levels of pathogenic Staphylococcus species in the GI tract require careful clinical evaluation, as they might be linked to various health conditions, including food poisoning and intestinal infections. Treatment approaches depend on the specific Staphylococcus species identified and the overall health context.

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.

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.

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid that is two carbon atoms longer than palmitic acid.

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid that is two carbon atoms longer than palmitic acid.

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid that is two carbon atoms longer than palmitic acid.

Stearic acid (SA) is a saturated fatty acid with an 18-carbon backbone (18:0). Although it is mainly abundant in animal fat, cocoa butter and shea butter are also very high in SA. It is also commonly used in detergents, soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, and shaving cream. Additionally, it can be synthesized in the body from palmitic acid. SA is not a strong substrate to make triglycerides compared to other saturated fatty acids and it generates a lower lipemic response.

The stearic acid/oleic acid ratio from red blood cells is a marker for the presence of malignant tissue, particularly with prostate cancer. In tumors, the net result of changes in fatty acid metabolism is low stearic acid and high oleic acid, causing a profound shift in the ratio of stearic to oleic acids. One likely outcome of this shift is increased fluidity of the tumor cell membrane, resulting in more rapid movement of nutrients and waste products and allowing for faster metabolic rate. The stearic/oleic ratio is used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer therapy.

Values below 1.1 are associated with malignancy. 

The stearic acid/oleic acid ratio from red blood cells is a marker for the presence of malignant tissue, particularly with prostate cancer. In tumors, the net result of changes in fatty acid metabolism is low stearic acid and high oleic acid, causing a profound shift in the ratio of stearic to oleic acids. One likely outcome of this shift is increased fluidity of the tumor cell membrane, resulting in more rapid movement of nutrients and waste products and allowing for faster metabolic rate. The stearic/oleic ratio is used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer therapy.

Values below 1.1 are associated with malignancy. 

Steatocrit is a diagnostic test specifically designed to measure the fat content in feces, offering a non-invasive method to evaluate fat malabsorption. This condition, where fats are not properly absorbed by the intestines, can lead to various gastrointestinal disorders, including steatorrhea (the excretion of abnormal quantities of fat with the feces), which is indicative of issues such as pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or other conditions affecting the bile ducts or small intestine.

The steatocrit is a measure of the amount of fat in stool.