fungal

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that can affect the respiratory system resulting in allergies, stuffiness, runny nose, cough, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Symptoms are categorized as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), allergic Aspergillus sinusitis, aspergilloma, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, or invasive aspergillosis.

bacterial

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection spread by through the bite of an infected tick.  The primary vector for Anaplamsa is the Ixodes species, specifically scapluaris (blacklegged deer tick), pacificus (western black-legged tick), and ricinus (castor bean tick). Anaplasma are one of several pathogens involved in the risk of co-infection following a tick bite.

parasitic

Babesiosis is a rare, parasitic infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Most patients are asymptomatic but infection may cause fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and/or myalgia.

bacterial

Bartonella henselae infection, also known as cat scratch disease (CSD) or felinosis, is transmitted to humans though the scratch of an infected cat. Trench Fever occurs from infection by Bartonella quintana in lice while Carrion’s Disease, bartonellosis, arises from infected sand fly bites.

fungal

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection that exists on the skin as yeast. In the environment the pathogen remains as a mold below 37 degrees Celsius. The spores are breathed in through the lungs but can travel to other organs in the body through the bloodstream.

viral

This negative-sense RNA virus causes infection to the central nervous system (CNS) in vertebrates. BDV is transmitted primarily through nasal secretions but also shed via conjunctival and saliva secretions. As it is presented by encephalitic symptoms, the virus is suggested by some studies to play a role in the propagation of mental illness.

bacterial

Lyme is a tick-borne disease caused by burgdorferi and, rarely, the mayonii species of the Borrelia bacterium. The bacteria are carried and transmitted through the bite of the black-legged tick and causes fever, headaches, fatigue, and erythema migrans, a skin rash. Tick prevention is the main way to avoid exposure and the disease can be treated with antibiotics.

bacterial

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through infected animals. The bacteria can be spread via inhalation but more commonly through the ingestion of raw or unpasteurized milk from an infected animal. Infection may also be passed to a newborn through the mother’s breastmilk. Brucella abortus strain RB51 is particularly resistant to antibiotics like rifampin and penicillin so patients that may have contracted an infection should be closely monitored and may require post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

fungal

Candida yeast are part of the human microbiota and naturally occur in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. Candidiasis is a fungal overgrowth which leads to infection including thrush and yeast infections. If candidiasis becomes invasive, infection may spread to the blood (candidemia), bones, heart, eyes, or brain. This infection is normally treated using antifungals.

bacterial

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most individuals are asymptomatic but infection can lead to cervicitis, urethritis, proctitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and difficulties in pregnancy. If left untreated, chlamydia can be transmitted perinatally which can cause ophthalmia neonatorum or pneumonia in newborns.

bacterial

Psittacosis is a bacterial disease commonly spread to humans from infected psittacine birds or poultry via excrement and respiratory secretions. Transmission normally occurs when particulate matter from dried secretions is breathed in through the air. For genus level testing see D104 above.

bacterial

C. pneumoniae is a species of chlamydia which affects the respiratory system resulting in pneumonia. Human to human transmission occurs through droplets so proper hygiene helps to curb the spread of infection. For genus level testing see D104 above.

bacterial

More commonly referred to as chlamydia, C. trachomatis is an STD. For genus level testing see D104 above.

viral

CMV, also referred to as human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5), affects over 50% of the American population and remains latent after infection. Generally, individuals are asymptomatic but the virus can lead to mononucleosis or hepatitis. CMV can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, semen, and breast milk. See also D143 below.

bacterial

Clostridium is an opportunistic pathogen found in the human and animal gut flora. This bacterium is also commonly found in the environment in dust, water, and soil. Clostridial infection may include bacteremia, myonecrosis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), toxic shock syndrome (TSS -C. sordellii), botulism (C. botulinum), or tetanus/ lockjaw (C. Tetani).

bacterial

C. perfringens is a species of Clostridium bacteria responsible for gas gangrene or myonecrosis. Infection with C. perfringens usually occurs as food poisoning after ingesting spore contaminated food that has been left in the temperature danger zone. For more information and genus level testing see D402 above.

viral

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bacterial

Erlichiosis is a tick-borne disease transmitted by the blacklegged or lone start tick. Infection in humans can cause fever, nausea, aches, and chills. In rare cases a rash may occur which distinguishes E. chaffeensis from either E. ewingii or E. muris eauclairensis. If left untreated, erlichiosis may cause nerve or brain damage, organ or respiratory failure, or death.

viral

EBV, or human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is the most common cause of mononucleosis. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids. Like other members of the Herpesviridae family, it will always remain in the body once a host has been infected and has the potential to reactivate. Symptoms normally only occur in immunocompromised hosts after latency. See also D143 below.

parasitic

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by ingestion of the Giardia parasite. The parasite is normally found in soil and untreated water but can quickly spread to drinking water or recreational pools, through contaminated feces. 

bacterial

H. ducreyi is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes chancroid, a genital ulcer disease. Chancroid is most prevalent in Africa, the Caribbean, and Southwest Asia.

bacterial

This bacterium affects the stomach. Although most are asymptomatic, H. pylori may reduce appetite, induce nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, weight loss, bloating, and in severe cases, stomach ulcers, gastritis, or gastric cancer. Infection is normally treated with a combination of two antibiotics and a gastric acid suppressant. 

fungal

Histoplasmosis is transmitted by inhaling fungal spores from bird droppings or bat guano. Infection does not generally present symptoms. Severe cases may result in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, meningitis, pericarditis, or adrenal insufficiency. Dissemination primarily occurs in immunocompromised individuals and is fatal.

viral

This test does not distinguish between variants A and B. There is limited research regarding type A and type B affects almost every human being. Herpesviruses all elicit viral latency. HHV-6 is suggested to be linked to many chronic conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, infertility in women, MS, and chronic fatigue syndrome (see our DNA Panels). See also D143 below.

viral

There are currently 8 known species in the Herpesviridae family referred to as human herpesviruses. The herpesvirus is a DNA based virus. Human herpesviruses are contagious and remain latent after infection. Infection with human herpesvirus may cause chickenpox, shingles, mononucleosis, cold sores, or genital herpes.

viral

HPV is an STI characterized by genital warts. Infection may be eliminated on its own but in severe cases can lead to cancer. HPV is normally prevented by vaccination under the age of 26 or by having protected sex. HPV can also be monitored in women through Pap smear screening. DNA testing can help achieve a quick and early diagnosis which is pertinent for treating genital warts and pre-cancer.

viral

Influenza A is one of the four types of influenza and one of two which contribute to the seasonal flu. Type A genetic and antigenic variation occurs more frequently than with type B. This test does not distinguish between subclades or clades of this virus. See also DP567 under DNA Panels. 

viral

Type B Influenza viruses include Yamagata and Victoria. This type of seasonal flu is less likely to experience variation than type A. This test does not distinguish between type B lineages.  See also DP567 under DNA Panels. 

bacterial

Klebsiella belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Contamination from Klebsiella varies widely as the species are present throughout nature and in the GI tract of several animals. Nosocomial infection occurs most often with K. pneumoniae (see D188 for this test). Klebsiella have been known to elicit resistance to carbapenems.

bacterial

K. pneumoniae is one of several bacteria that can cause pneumonia. If infection spreads within the patient it can also lead to urinary tract infection (UTI), septicemia, and soft tissue infections. For genus level testing see D467 above.

bacterial

Legionella bacteria can survive in soil and freshwater and spread through aerosolization. A mild, flu-like infection, referred to as Pontiac fever, can normally be recovered from without medical attention. Legionellosis is caused by Legionella pneumophila and is also responsible for Legionnaire’s disease which, if left untreated, can be fatal.

bacterial

Leptospirosis caused by the Leptospira bacterium is transmitted to humans through contaminated water or soil, or via zoonotic infection. It is normal for both animals and humans not to display symptoms. When symptoms do occur in humans it may include, fever, aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, rash, or diarrhea. These symptoms are present during the first phase of infection. If infection reaches the second phase this may result in meningitis or, kidney or liver failure.

parasitic

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) transmitted via the bite of an infected phlebotomine sand fly. Within weeks to a month, patients could develop cutaneous leishmaniasis presented as skin sores. Some species may lead to the development of mucosal leishmaniasis (espundia) which is characterized by sores of the mucous membranes; if the disease is left untreated, or in cases where patients remain asymptomatic for years after exposure, infection can lead to visceral leishmaniasis which affects various internal organs. Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a common complication of visceral leishmaniasis which results in lesions following or during treatment of visceral leishmaniasis- patients with PKDL are considered reservoirs for transmission.

bacterial

S. aureus is one of the most dangerous strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus, known as MRSA. Other coagulase negative (CoN) methicillin and antibiotic resistant strains include S. epidermis (MRSE), S. hominis, S. lugdunensis, Staphylococcus capitis, S. xylosus, S. warneri, S. saprophyticus, and S.lentus. Staphylococci are normally present on the skin and in the nose but may cause lesions or UTIs and, in more severe cases, bacteremia, pneumonia, and endocarditis.

bacterial

Strains which are known to cause infection include M. pneumoniae, M. genitalium, and M. hominis. This test will not distinguish between species. Mycoplasma are unaffected by many antibiotics since they lack a cell wall-this also prevents them from being visualized by gram staining. (Also see Ureaplasma below).

bacterial

Mycobacteria are commonly found in the environment in water and soil and most species are only problematic in immunocompromised individuals. Infection could result in pulmonary disease, lymphadenitis, or cutaneous disease.

bacterial

This species of Mycobacterium is responsible for tuberculosis (TB) in humans. TB is spread through the air in aerosolized droplets. Infection targets the lungs but may affect the kidneys, brain, or spine. The majority only develop latent TB infection (LTBI) and remain asymptomatic. These individuals are not contagious but must still prevent infection from developing into TB disease. For genus level testing see D162 above.

bacterial

Also known as bovine TB, M. bovis is another species of mycobacterium that causes TB disease in humans. This species is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated unpasteurized milk or dairy products, contact with an open wound, or inhalation. Also see D327 above. For genus level testing see D162.

bacterial

Mycobacterium avium complex is a nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) that causes symptoms similar to TB. MAC is commonly found in water and soil. For genus level testing see D162.

bacterial

Nanobactertium, also referred to as calcifying nanoscale particles (CNPs), have several implications in the pathogenesis of various infectious diseases including heart disease, kidney stones, prostatitis, polycystic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular plaque formation. Their resilience is contributed largely to their rigid apatite outer layer and their resistance to many antibiotics due to their nanoparticle characteristics.

bacterial

Gonorrhoeae infection is the second most common bacterial STD in the US. Transmission can also occur perinatally during birth. Besides the reproductive and genital tract, N. gonorrhoeae can also infect the eye, mouth, pharynx, and rectum. Not all infected individuals display symptoms and dissemination can occur if left untreated, resulting in disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI).

bacterial

Pasteurella is a bacterial infection that arises from the bite or scratch of an infected animal. It commonly affects the skin but can also affect the respiratory tract and less commonly may result in septicemia, endocarditis, or, intra-abdominal or CNS infection.

parasitic

These protozoa are transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. There are five species known to cause malaria, the majority of cases being contributed by P. falciparum and P. vivax. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, nearly half of the global population was at risk for malaria with children under the age of 5 being the most vulnerable affected.

bacterial

R. rickettsii is a bacterial infection responsible for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). It is transmitted by the bite of an infected dog or wood tick. For genus level testing see D180.

bacterial

Rickettsia and rickettsial infection are caused by specific bacterial species that can only survive within the cells of a host organism. Common Rickettsia species are known to cause RMSF (see D178 above) and epidemic typhus and are spread by ticks, mites, fleas, or lice. Some rickettsial infections which present symptoms similar to Rickettsia infection are erlichiosis (see D132 above), anaplasmosis (see D177 above), and Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii.

bacterial

Salmonella bacteria are normally found in domesticated and wild birds, swine, cattle, or rodents but are sometimes carried by various house pets. Salmonellosis is transmitted to humans through ingestion of uncooked or undercooked, contaminated meat or eggs, or, raw or unpasteurized milk or milk products.

bacteria

Staphylococcus bacteria are naturally found on the surface of the skin and inside the nose. Staph infections may result in skin infection, food poisoning, bacteremia, TSS, and septic arthritis.

bacterial

Strains of S. aureus are known to cause food poisoning, TSS, and scalded skin syndrome. Individuals may be asymptomatic or present folliculitis, abscesses, impetigo, cellulitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, bacteremia, endocarditis, mastitis, pneumonia, or osteomyelitis. When S. aureus are resistant to treatment by beta-lactams, they are known as ‘Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus’ (MRSA). (See also D150 above).

bacterial

Common Strep infections in humans belong to groups A and B. Group A infections may result in Strep throat, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, TSS, impetigo, or scarlet fever while group B leads to meningitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, skin infection, and UTIs.  This test does not distinguish between groups.

bacterial

Pneumococcal disease may result in pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, sinusitis, or otitis media. Pneumococcus may be invasive and in some cases could result in death. Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid the infection.

bacterial

Commonly referred to as group A streptococcus (GAS), this infection can be invasive or non-invasive, and is known to cause acute pharyngitis (strep throat) and scarlatiniform rash (scarlet fever or scarlatina.) This infection is spread via droplet inhalation through nasal and salivary secretions. If not treated correctly, these infections may develop into rheumatic fever.

parasitic

Taeniasis is a tapeworm infection transmitted through ingestion of raw or undercooked beef and pork. Symptoms can range from asymptomatic to severe resulting in cysticercosis. Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm) and Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) are found all over the world with T. solium being more prevalent in impoverished communities. Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm) is found throughout Asia.

parasitic

Toxoplasmosis is a persistent parasitic infection that occurs through the parasite T. gondii. Infection may occur through ingestion of undercooked, contaminated meat or, contaminated soil or water. Congenital transmission may also occur so it is important to test for infection if you plan to become pregnant as toxoplasmosis may be severe for immunocompromised individuals.

parasitic

Trichomoniasis is an STI that occurs through infection by Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis affects both men and women and is the most common non-viral STI. While most are asymptomatic, infection can cause inflammation, dysuria, ulceration, or discharge. In women the parasite normally infects the vulva, cervix, vagina, or urethra, while in men it normally infects the urethra.

bacterial

Ureaplasma are a class of mycoplasma (see D152 above). Ureaplasma may cause urethritis or bacterial vaginosis (BV), and has been linked to prostatitis, endometriosis, and kidney stones. U. urealyticum has also been linked to fertility issues in both men and women.

 bacterial

Ureaplasma are a class of mycoplasma (see D152 above). Ureaplasma may cause urethritis or bacterial vaginosis (BV), and have been linked to prostatitis, endometriosis, and the formation of kidney stones.

This custom screen is useful for common fungal infections; Aspergillus, Blastomyces, and Candida species.