Blood DNAemia Bacteremia
Why is DNAemia or Bacteremia testing conducted at AMMAGENOMICS?
While blood is typically expected to be sterile, devoid of any bacteria or viruses, we often detect DNA from various microorganisms in the blood, leading to the coining of the term MicroDNAemia. This presence of DNA could potentially contribute to the onset and progression of various diseases. Numerous studies suggest that the presence of bacterial DNA and Zonulin in the blood is indicative of leaky gut syndrome, wherein toxic molecules, DNA, RNA, or even partially undigested food molecules and microorganisms can seep into the bloodstream from the gut or large intestine. Therefore, DNAemia testing holds significant importance for senior citizens, individuals with autoimmune diseases, infertility, nervous disorders, allergies, age-related disorders, diabetes, cancer, and more.
Furthermore, DNAemia doesn't solely indicate gut leakage but could also originate from other organs such as the mouth, lungs, brain, liver, kidneys, vagina, and male sexual organs. This could occur due to actions like aggressive tooth brushing leading to bleeding gums, dental procedures, surgeries, and others. It's now evident that bacterial DNAemia isn't merely a passive occurrence but may exert influence on various aspects of host physiology.
We have observed that DNAemia serves as a crucial diagnostic marker, aiding in the confirmation of many diseases including cancer, prognosis of treatments, prediction of metabolic and clinical pathologic conditions in older individuals, and strongly indicating silent, low-grade chronic inflammation and age-related diseases.
In short, Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. A low level of Bacteremia will be symptomless. At a slightly moderate level, it will give rise to infections. At higher levels, it will lead to sepsis wherein the person will end up in the intensive care unit. This condition can be serious and potentially life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly.
Infection in the body can be an indicator if someone has Bacteremia. AMMAGENOMICS offers a PCR-based Blood Bacteremia Test to detect if there are bacteria in the blood. We detect Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium, Prevotella, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Lactobacillus, etc., in the blood.
There are different methods used to test for Blood Bacteremia, including:
Blood Culture
Blood cultures are the primary diagnostic test for bacteremia. In this test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a special culture medium that promotes bacterial growth. The sample is then incubated in the laboratory to allow any bacteria in the blood to multiply. After a specific period, the sample is examined for the presence of bacteria. Identifying the bacteria and performing antibiotic susceptibility testing can help determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.
Molecular Testing
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and other molecular methods can also be used to detect bacterial DNA or specific genetic markers in the bloodstream. These tests are generally faster than blood cultures and can provide more rapid results, but they may not replace blood cultures entirely due to their limitations in identifying antibiotic resistance patterns.
Serological Tests
Serological tests, such as Enzyme Immunoassays (EIAs) or Agglutination Tests, can help detect specific antibodies against certain bacteria. These tests may indicate a recent or past infection and can complement other diagnostic methods.
Automated Blood Culture Systems
Some laboratories use automated blood culture systems, which continuously monitor blood cultures for bacterial growth. These systems can speed up the detection of positive cultures and help identify the presence of bacteria more efficiently.