Microbiome Testing - An Overview

Introduction:

Hundreds of trillions of microorganisms can be found in and on the human body. These microorganisms may be bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. These microorganisms in a group can be known as microbiomes. Though microbiomes are found throughout the body, microbiome testing mainly refers to microorganisms present in the gut.

What Are Microbiomes?

Microbiomes are microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These, along with other microorganisms, are called microbiomes. These live in and outside the body of humans. Though their size is so small that microscopes can view them, they play an important role in human health and wellness.

The functions of the microbiome include

• Protection from pathogens.

• Help the immune system develop.

• It helps in digesting food to produce energy.

Microbiomes act as an interface between the body and the environment. Microbes can affect health in many ways, including how an individual may respond to environmental substances. Microbes may alter environmental substances by making them more toxic, less toxic, or harmful.

The human microbes vary from one site to another site. Different communities of microbes may be seen in the gut, skin, oral, and nasal cavities. The microbes in the human body develop in the first year of life but may change over time depending on the diet, medications, and environmental factors.

The microbes may cause specific health effects when exposed to environmental factors. Environmental exposure may alter the microbiome and may lead to certain conditions like diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular, neurological diseases, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.

What Is Microbiome Testing?

Continued research has shown the influence of the gastrointestinal system on overall health. Certain symptoms like indigestion, mood changes, and skin diseases may indicate imbalances in the gut. This can be understood only through testing. Hence, microbiome testing is crucial in understanding the connection between the gut and overall health.

Microbiome testing measures the amount and types of microbes present in the gut through a stool sample. Microbiome testing can be done at the doctor’s office or home. A fresh stool sample may be required for this type of testing. This type of test is done to know about the microbiomes and imbalances in the gut. Microbiome testing done using fresh stool samples helps to provide information about potential inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease.

Microbiome testing can be done at home or in a doctor’s office. Microbe testing done at home is limited even today. As the technologies are being evolved, these may provide concrete health information.

Unlike the microbiome testing done in a doctor’s office or lab, kits used at home may use the stool sample and send it back to the lab or testing company. At-home kits may be ordered online. Then, in the lab, the sample is subjected to analysis. It may take a few days to a few weeks to get back the results. The obtained results provide details about the types of microbes present in the sample, any food sensitivities, and inflammatory markers.

Home testing kits are only partially reliable because, along with the test results, the healthcare provider must address chronic issues. A series of tests are required, along with a physical examination. Hence, at-home microbiome kits should be used to know about the gut and information alone. It must not be used for self-diagnosis of any health problems. After receiving the result, it may be taken to a healthcare provider and discussed.

The cost of the kit depends on the brand and whether an individual orders it. The average price of a stool test is below $ 200. Suppose the other tests like blood and saliva samples may be costlier. If the microbiome test is ordered by a healthcare provider for any medical conditions, it may be covered under insurance.

The healthcare provider may advise fecal testing for gut problems like gastritis and infection. Tests may be required daily to make a more accurate diagnosis. An individual may ask the healthcare provider for a stool test to know about the gut flora and other information.

The at-home test market is growing at a quick rate. Even doctors prefer this type of testing. This type of testing is comfortable for individuals, so they can complete it at home and get their results digitally within a few weeks.

Gut microbiome tests function is to know about the type of microbiomes present. The researchers' approach is to extract and decode the microbial genetic material from the sample collected. Then, these genetic materials are used to identify the species of microbes present in the sample. Microbiome analysis is done based on two types of genetic material called RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

If the test is based on only DNA, it provides details about the types of microbiomes and not based on the genetic material and activities that they are doing inside the body.

Suppose the test is based on the RNA. In that case, it gives details not only about what types of species are present but also their activities in the gut, any metabolites they produce that reduce gut inflammation, and other functions.

The limitation of microbiome testing is that at-home test kits are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These tests may need to be considered complete or accurate.

Alternative tests to at-home tests include food sensitivity tests and tests done by the doctor. Food sensitivities arise due to imbalances in the gut microbes. Food dairy is to be maintained, and associated symptoms are to be watched and noted daily.

Generally, doctors advise blood tests to know about food sensitivities. At-home tests are also available for blood and saliva tests. These tests help identify food triggers. Hence, dietary changes can be done to ease gut problems. The doctor must confirm these test results.

Tests advised by doctors may help to diagnose gut problems, food sensitivities, and other inflammatory conditions. They may send for a blood test or saliva test to a lab where the blood drawn is subjected to analysis. The results may be obtained within a few days. Depending on the results, the doctor may advise for further diagnostic tests like endoscopy or computed tomography (CT) scan. Depending on the need, they may refer the patient to a gastroenterologist.

When to Seek Help From a Doctor?

If an individual is facing the following symptoms, they may directly seek help from a doctor, avoiding at-home kits.

• Fever.

• Stools that are bloody and black.

• Yellowish discoloration of skin or eyes.

• Weight loss without any reason.

• Chronic vomiting.

• Severe pain in the stomach.

• Difficulty in swallowing.

Conclusion:

Microbiomes are microorganisms that are present in the body as well as outside the body. Their number is huge. Certain conditions arise due to an imbalance in the gut and other body parts. In such situations, it is advised to know about the microorganisms through microbiome testing. This test helps in treating the conditions present effectively, to rule out certain conditions, and to know the prognosis of the condition after the treatment. Hence, it becomes important to know about the microbiome testing.