This mold is a well-known plant pathogen, and may be found growing on a wide range of vegetables including tomato, lettuce, beans, pea, etc.

The Allergen Stemphylium Botryosum (m10) IgE test is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to the mold Stemphylium botryosum. IgE antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to exposure to allergens, including molds.

Together with Alternaria, Stemphylium is considered one of the most important mould allergens in the United States.

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.

Stomatocytes are a unique type of red blood cells (RBCs) characterized by their distinct mouth-like shape, playing a significant role in the field of hematology and medical diagnostics. These cells, identifiable under a microscope, present with a central, slit-like area devoid of hemoglobin, giving them their characteristic appearance. The presence of stomatocytes in a blood smear is a key indicator in diagnosing various hematological disorders, including hereditary stomatocytosis, a rare condition affecting the membrane of red blood cells.

A fecal pH test is one where a specimen of feces is tested for acidity in order to diagnose a medical condition.

• Human feces is normally acidic.
• The average pH for a healthy person is a pH of 6.6.

Stool pH is dependent in part on fermentation of sugars. Colonic fermentation of normal amounts of carbohydrate sugars and production of fatty acids accounts for the normally slightly acidic pH.

IgG antibodies to Streptococcal A refer to the specific IgG antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with Streptococcus bacteria, particularly Group A Streptococcus (Strep A). These antibodies play a crucial role in protecting against Streptococcal infections. Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus, is a pathogenic bacterium that causes a range of infections, including pharyngitis (strep throat), impetigo, invasive infections, and immune-mediated sequelae such as acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

IgG antibodies can show up in your test for weeks, months or years after an infection.

M Protein is an extracellular product of Streptococcus that contributes to the pathogenicity of the gram-positive bacterium. Antibody response against streptococcal M protein and its reaction with myosin may result in endothelial cell damage and the release of inner valve proteins. This results in antibody production against collagen, vimentin, elastin and laminin, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of streptococcal-associated disorders.

What if your result is "equivocal"?

An "equivocal" result on a test like the Streptococcal M Protein on a Pathogen-Associated Immune Reactivity Screen panel means that the test did not clearly indicate whether the specific antibodies or antigens being tested for were absent or present in your sample. Here's what you can consider in this situation:

→ Repeat Testing: Sometimes an equivocal result may suggest that the levels of the target protein or antibody are near the threshold of detection. Your doctor might recommend repeating the test to confirm the result.

→ Additional Testing: To get a clearer picture of your health, additional tests might be needed. This could include more specific tests for streptococcal infection or other related conditions.

→ Clinical Assessment: Your healthcare provider will likely consider these test results in conjunction with your symptoms and medical history. Equivocal results might need to be interpreted differently based on individual health conditions and symptoms.

→ Monitoring Symptoms: If you are currently experiencing symptoms that might be related to a streptococcal infection or other immune responses, your healthcare provider might monitor your symptoms over time to see if they progress or resolve.

It's important to discuss your test results with your healthcare provider, who can give you specific advice based on your overall health context and guide you on the next steps.

Streptococcus is a member of Gram-positive lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) that belonged to Firmicutes phylum. Many strains of Streptococcus are non-pathogenic and occur as commensal flora on the skin, the oral cavity, nasopharynx, upper respiratory tract, urogenital, and gastrointestinal tracts.

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Lancefield’s group B streptococcus (GBS), is a gram-positive facultative anaerobe. Found in around 30% of healthy adult gastrointestinal tracts and vaginas, it can cause severe infections. The bacterium is the leading cause of septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis in neonates. Additionally, a recent study showed that neonates of GBS+ women have a different microbiota composition compared to GBS-, possibly leading to disease development later in life.

Eubacterium is a genus of gram-positive bacteria. They are one of the most abundant species in healthy colons and use lactate and acetate to produce butyrate, and 1,2 propanediol to produce propionate.

Depletion of Eubacterium rectale has been associated with high fat diets, colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. Species belonging to this genus are also involved in the metabolism of polyphenols - health-promoting metabolites, which can reduce incidence of carcinogenesis. Eubacterium rely on sources of resistant starches for survival.

S. mutans is a gram positive bacterium commonly found in the human oral cavity. It is known to promote dental caries. S. mutans has been shown to elicit inflammation by stimulating cytokine production in the dental pulp below caries. When this inflammation reaches the intestines, it can contribute to dysbiosis, breakdown of intestinal barrier structures and the infiltration of S. mutans immunogens into circulation. Antibodies against S. mutans have long been recognized as cross-reactive to human heart tissues and thus, suspected of playing a role in heart disorders.

Imbalanced bacteria are usually neither pathogenic nor beneficial to the host GI tract. Imbalances can occur when there are insufficient levels of beneficial bacteria and increased levels of commensal bacteria. Certain commensal bacteria are reported as dysbiotic at higher levels.