A pathogen is an organism that causes disease to its host.

The GI-MAP looks for various bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens commonly known to cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines.

These organisms are NOT supposed to be present in the gut. If a pathogen is found, a protocol will likely be implemented to clear it out.

H. Pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and first part of the small intestine. It is a common root cause of heartburn, GERD, low stomach acid, and ulcers.

Nearly 50% of the world’s population may have H. pylori and many carriers are asymptomatic. In high amounts, H.pylori infection can cause ulcers, chronic inflammation of the stomach, and stomach cancer.

Virulence factors identify more pathogenic strains of H.Pylori with a higher potential for disease.

There are trillions of bacteria that live in our gut and play an important role in overall health. Commensal bacteria are beneficial strains of bacteria that SHOULD be present in the gut.

Commensal bacteria maintain gut barrier function, produce vitamins (biotin and vitamin K), and protect against colonization of potential pathogens.

Having an optimal balance of commensal bacteria is most beneficial. Too low or too high of commensal bacteria can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms and suboptimal gut health.

Opportunistic pathogens can cause disease and illness in some individuals if they are present in high amounts.

Having low amounts of these microbes can be normal in the stool. When overgrown, these bacteria can cause inflammation and digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal pain, or constipation.

Overgrowth and excessive colonization by opportunistic bacteria may occur when the commensal bacteria are impaired by poor diet, antibiotic use, parasitic infection, or a weakened immune system.

Fungal organisms are commonly found in the human digestive tract, but overgrowth can cause illness.

Yeast overgrowth may be due to antibiotic use, high intake of sugar/starches, low stomach acid, impaired immune function or dysbiosis in the gut.

Candida overgrowth in the gut can cause recurrent vaginal yeast infections.

Positive findings of Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus indicate an active infection, not a past infection.

Parasite are organisms that live and feeds on a host organism at the expense of the host.

The GI-MAP tests for pathogenic parasites and protozoa most commonly occurring in the GI tract.

Sources of exposure should be identified and eliminated to prevent reinfection.

• Steatocrit: measures the amount of fat in the stool.
• Elastase-1: measures pancreatic function.
• β-Glucuronidase: elevated levels may indicate dysbiosis & poor detoxification.
• Occult Blood: looks for blood in the stool.
• Secretory IgA: first line of defense against pathogens in the gut.
• Anti-Gliadin IgA: elevated levels indicate an immune response to dietary gluten.
• Eosinophil Activation Protein: elevated levels indicate inflammation driven by food allergies/sensitivities, IBD, & parasitic infection.
• Calprotectin: gold standard marker for the diagnosis & monitoring of IBD.

• Optional Add-On:
  • Zonulin: marker for intestinal permeability (aka “leaky gut”).

A rise in H2 (hydrogen gas) levels of ≥ 20.00 ppm from baseline within 90 minutes is supportive of SIBO. The “Expected” threshold of H2 is calculated by adding 20.00 ppm to the baseline sample. trio-smart reports the “Observed” peak within 100 minutes to account for variability in the sample collection process.

The “Expected” threshold for CH4 (methane) is always 10.00 ppm. The North American Consensus defines abnormal levels of CH4 as ≥10.00 ppm at any point during the breath test.

The “Expected” threshold for H2S (hydrogen sulfide gas) is always 3.00 ppm. Levels of H2S ≥3.00 ppm at any point during the breath test are considered excess.