HomeAnswersInfectious DiseasestestMy GI test reveals high levels of bacteria. Please help.

What does the presence of certain bacteria in gastrointestinal laboratory tests indicate?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 13, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a recent GI laboratory test which showed high levels of the below:

1. Pseudomonas spp.

2. Staphylococcus aureus.

3. Proteus spp.

4. Proteus mirabilis.

5. Escherichia spp.

I need an infectious disease specialist to consult on the proper treatment for these. I have a 17+ year history of chronic Lyme as well and have done IV antibiotics several years ago, which helped tremendously, my current doctor is hesitant to prescribe antibiotics. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I acknowledge the test report attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) with this message. Higher levels of these commensal bacteria usually do not warrant antibiotic use. The unnecessary use of antibiotics will lead to the development of antibiotic resistance and unnecessary problems in the future. The test is negative for pathogens, so there is no need for use of any antibiotics. I can see higher levels of anti-gliadin IgA, which is seen in celiac disease, which might be the reason for your gastrointestinal symptoms if any. Avoiding food rich in gluten might help you. Substances like Zinc carnosine, L-glutamine, colostrum, probiotics, and green tea will be much helpful in this condition.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

Higher levels of anti-gliadin IgA - Celiac disease.

Probable diagnosis

Celiac disease.

Treatment plan

Avoiding food rich in gluten.

Preventive measures

Avoiding food rich in gluten.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I do not understand why I was even tested for these conditions if they do not indicate a bacterial infection. I have been tested for Celiac disease numerous times, and it has always been negative. Additionally, I have been following the Plant Paradox diet for years. I have also had Lyme disease and co-infections, and the only things that have provided relief are antibiotics, which I received intravenously for a year, and the diet.

I am surprised to hear that an infectious disease doctor is hesitant to prescribe antibiotics, considering their effectiveness in my case. This is the reason I have been suffering for 18 years, as no doctor would prescribe antibiotics for five years, allowing Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia to wreak havoc on my body without intervention. Antibiotics might have prevented my disability, and the fact that I could not get access to them seems cruel to me.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your situation. At present, unless there is any clear indication, it is better to avoid the use of antibiotics. Doing so will reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance and future infections with multidrug or pan-drug-resistant organisms. In cases of confirmed Lyme disease, Bartonella, and Babesia infections, they are typically treated with the appropriate antibiotics at the correct dosage and duration. I would have suggested antibiotics if your GI (gastrointestinal) tests had shown any presence of pathogens, but they did not indicate any. For now, please try to follow the nutrition advice provided to you.

I hope your queries are resolved and any further queries are welcome.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath
Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath

Infectious Diseases

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