Description

The GI360™ Microbiome Profile is an advanced gut microbiota DNA analysis test that uses molecular techniques to evaluate the composition and diversity of intestinal bacteria. It is designed to help assess gut health, identify dysbiosis (microbial imbalance), and explore potential links to chronic disease states. This test provides a comprehensive overview of the bacterial ecosystem in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, focusing on both beneficial and potentially pathogenic microorganisms.

Purpose:

  • Identify imbalances in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis)
  • Detect beneficial and harmful bacteria
  • Evaluate the microbial environment contributing to GI symptoms or chronic illnesses
  • Guide targeted therapeutic interventions (dietary, probiotic, lifestyle changes)

Technology Used:

  • DNA analysis via PCR and next-generation sequencing
  • Measures abundance and diversity of over 45 bacterial analytes
  • Calculates a Dysbiosis Index, a composite score indicating the degree of microbiome imbalance

Key Biomarkers Included:

Phylum & Class-Level Bacteria:

  • Actinobacteria
  • Bacilli Class
  • Clostridia Class
  • Firmicutes
  • Proteobacteria

Beneficial/Commensal Bacteria:

  • Akkermansia muciniphila – Maintains mucosal barrier integrity
  • Faecalibacterium prausnitzii – Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Bifidobacterium spp. – Supports immune function and digestion
  • Lactobacillus spp. & Lactobacillus ruminis & Pediococcus acidilactici – Aids digestion, inhibits pathogens
  • Eubacterium biforme / hallii / siraeum – Butyrate producers that support colon health
  • Ruminococcus albus & bromii / Ruminococcus gnavus – Ferment dietary fibers, impact mucosal health
  • Phascolarctobacterium spp. – SCFA producer

Opportunistic/Pathogenic Bacteria:

  • Acinetobacter junii – Opportunistic pathogen
  • Bacteroides fragilis / pectinophilus / stercoris / zoogleoformans – Can shift from commensal to pathogenic
  • Clostridium L2-50 / methylpentosum – Imbalance indicators
  • Dialister invisus / Megasphaera micronuciformis – Associated with inflammation
  • Coprobacillus cateniformis – Linked to dysbiosis
  • Escherichia spp. – Includes E. coli, potentially pathogenic
  • Mycoplasma hominis – Associated with urogenital infections but also found in gut imbalances
  • Streptococcus spp. / agalactiae / salivarius / sanguinis / thermophilus – Can become opportunistic

Other Notable Groups:

  • Alistipes onderdonkii / spp. – May be associated with inflammation or dysbiosis
  • Parabacteroides johnsonii – Emerging link to gut health regulation
  • Veillonella spp. – Associated with carbohydrate fermentation; overgrowth linked to GI issues

Additional Metrics:

  • Dysbiosis Index: A score that reflects the degree of microbial imbalance in the gut. Higher scores suggest a greater departure from a healthy microbiome.

Why the GI360™ Test Is Valuable:

  • Precision: Uses DNA-based analysis to offer detailed bacterial identification.
  • Comprehensive: Tests for a broad range of both beneficial and problematic bacteria.
  • Actionable: Results guide dietary, lifestyle, and supplementation strategies for optimizing gut health.
  • Chronic Illness Insight: Can support evaluation of GI-related symptoms and chronic inflammatory conditions such as IBS, IBD, autoimmune issues, and metabolic syndrome.

Typical Symptoms or Conditions Linked to Dysbiosis:

  • Bloating and gas
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Food sensitivities
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Skin conditions (e.g., eczema, acne)
  • Mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression)
  • Autoimmune conditions