Advanced Microbiome & Pathogen Testing | 6–8 Day Turnaround

The Culture, PCR + Parasitology (CPP) profile is a comprehensive stool analysis designed to identify microbial imbalance, pathogenic bacteria, yeast overgrowth, and parasitic infection using both traditional culture methods and advanced PCR technology.

This test provides objective data about intestinal microflora status and helps guide targeted treatment strategies when infection or dysbiosis is suspected.

---

Why This Test Matters

The intestinal microbiome plays a central role in:

• Immune regulation
• Inflammatory signaling
• Nutrient synthesis and absorption
• Gut barrier integrity
• Neuroimmune signaling (gut–brain axis)

Imbalances in beneficial and commensal bacteria — known as dysbiosis — may contribute to both gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic conditions.

The CPP panel helps determine whether symptoms may be related to:

• Pathogenic bacterial overgrowth
• Clostridium species imbalance
• Yeast or fungal overgrowth
• Parasitic infection
• Reduction in protective beneficial flora

Unlike limited stool screens, this panel combines:

• Comprehensive bacteriology culture
• PCR-based pathogen detection (12–25 GI targets)
• Yeast culture
• Microscopy-based parasitology
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

---

What This Panel Evaluates

1. Beneficial & Commensal Flora

The test evaluates levels of:

• Lactobacillus species
• Bifidobacteria
• Beneficial E. coli

Healthy levels of these organisms are associated with:

• Inhibition of pathogenic microbes
• Production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
• Support of immune modulation
• Contribution to certain B-vitamin synthesis

Reduced beneficial flora may permit pathogen overgrowth and contribute to chronic symptoms.

---

2. Dysbiotic & Pathogenic Bacteria

Culture and PCR methods detect:

• Imbalanced commensal organisms
• Clostridium species
• Enteric pathogens

Precise organism identification allows for more targeted therapy rather than empiric treatment.

---

3. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

For cultured bacterial and fungal species, susceptibility testing is performed against:

• Prescription antimicrobial agents
• Select natural agents

This helps guide therapeutic decisions based on organism sensitivity patterns.

---

4. Yeast & Fungal Overgrowth

Yeast such as Candida species may contribute to:

• Bloating and diarrhea
• Recurrent gastrointestinal discomfort
• Fatigue
• Skin or immune reactivity
• Post-antibiotic symptoms

Identification of abnormal fungal levels helps determine whether antifungal therapy may be appropriate.

---

5. Parasitology (Microscopy + PCR)

Parasitic testing includes concentration techniques and trichrome staining to detect:

• Protozoa
• Helminths
• Ova

Parasitic infection may present with:

• IBS-like symptoms
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Joint or muscle discomfort
• Sleep disturbance
• Immune activation

Collection may be performed over one-, two-, or three-day intervals based on clinical suspicion.

---

How Dysbiosis May Affect Methylation, Copper & Inflammation

Although the CPP panel focuses on microbial balance and infection detection, findings often have broader biochemical implications.

Chronic dysbiosis and infection may contribute to:

Increased Inflammatory Signaling

Pathogenic bacteria and parasites can stimulate cytokine production and systemic inflammation.

Copper Dysregulation

Inflammation may alter ceruloplasmin production and zinc absorption, potentially worsening zinc:copper imbalance patterns.

Increased Oxidative Stress

Chronic microbial imbalance increases metabolic stress, which may raise demand on methylation and glutathione pathways.

Gut Barrier Disruption

Overgrowth of pathogens may reduce protective microbial metabolites and compromise intestinal barrier integrity.

In patients with mood instability, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, or biochemical imbalances, untreated dysbiosis may contribute to persistent symptoms.

---

When This Test Is Useful

The CPP panel may be appropriate for patients with:

• Chronic bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
• IBS or suspected infection-related symptoms
• Autoimmune disease
• Chronic fatigue
• Food sensitivities
• Inflammatory patterns
• Nutritional deficiencies
• History of travel or suspected parasitic exposure
• Poor response to probiotics or empiric antimicrobials

---

Collection & Preparation

• Stool collection kit shipped directly to you
• No fasting required
• Follow kit instructions carefully
• Avoid antimicrobial agents unless directed
• Multi-day collection may be recommended

Samples are returned directly to the laboratory using prepaid packaging.

---

Turnaround Time

Results are typically available within 6–8 business days.
Delays may occur due to confirmation testing or holidays.

---

Test Components & Reference Information

Total List Price: $398