The Bacteriology Culture profile can identify the presence of beneficial flora, imbalanced flora including Clostridium species, and dysbiotic flora, as well as detect infectious pathogens. 

A good balance of beneficial microflora has been known to be associated with health benefits since the turn of the century. At that time, Metchnikoff drew attention to the adverse effects of dysbiotic gut microflora on the host and suggested that ingestion of fermented milk ameliorated what he called "autointoxication." He proposed that the consumption of large quantities of Lactobacillus species would reduce the number of toxin-producing bacteria and result in better health and increased lifespan. 

Over the past 90-plus years there has been extensive scientific research demonstrating that a good balance of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and beneficial E. coli bacteria are important to the functional health of the gut, and as a consequence, to the whole organism. The benefits identified include inhibition of microbial pathogens, prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, prevention of travelers' diarrhea, reduction of lactose intolerance symptoms, reduction in serum cholesterol levels, enhancement of the immune system, and inhibition of the proliferation of Candida albicans. Research has shown that improved biological value of food can be achieved through the activity of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria which have been reported to produce folic acid, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, biotin and vitamin K. 

The mechanisms by which these benefits are derived are not yet fully understood. However, research suggests that some of the beneficial effects may be due to the following activities of beneficial bacteria: 

In a healthy balanced state of intestinal flora, the beneficial bacteria make up a significant proportion of the total microflora. However, in many individuals we see an imbalance of beneficial bacteria and an overgrowth of non-beneficial or even pathogenic microorganisms— dysbiosis. This can be due to a variety of factors including: 

Patients may present with chronic symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue, chronic headaches and allergies to a variety of foods. 

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to prescriptive and natural agents is also performed for appropriate bacterial species at no additional charge. This provides the clinician with important and specific clinical information to help plan an appropriate treatment protocol. 

Please read all of the directions, and familiarize yourself with the collection procedures.

If you are taking antifungal or antibiotic medications, please finish the course of medication, and then wait three days before starting this collection.

Please refrain from taking digestive enzymes, antacids, and aspirin for two days prior to and during the specimen collection, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

Refrain from taking probiotic supplements for two weeks prior to specimen collection unless instructed otherwise by your physician.

Never discontinue prescription medications without first consulting your physician.