- Processing time: 8-12 working days
- Sample: Saliva
- See mucosalbarrier.com for expanded information
Overview
The Intestinal Barrier Function Screen uses a single saliva sample
to assess the level of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and the levels of free IgA
and IgM to combined dietary proteins (wheat/gliadin, corn, soy, cow's milk, egg); aerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli and E. enterococcus); anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium perfringens); Candida albicans yeast.
Background
The lining of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to
the anus, is covered by a mucosal barrier, which provides
our first line immune defense against pathogens and a mechanism
for proper processing of food antigens. The mucosal barrier
contains specific immune defenses including mucosal antibodies. A healthy mucosal barrier defense contains
sufficient antibodies and responds to normally encountered
antigens and deals with them appropriately. All of the dietary
proteins, yeasts, and bacteria used in this test are normally
found in the human body or diet. IgA is the predominant antibody
quantitatively in the mucosal immune system.
Physiology
This test measures total sIgA production which helps determine
whether there is an appropriate mucosal immune response.
Secretory IgA Level
- This is an important indicator of the strength of mucosal
immunity and can help to establish the validity of other
Ig values.
- If total sIgA is elevated an infection exists and further
testing is recommended to determine its type.
- If total sIgA is low it can indicate compromised mucosal
immunity, however, it is a measurement at a point in time;
it needs to be looked at over time and correlated with cortisol
rhythm and lifestyle.
IgA and IgM to antigens in the Dietary Protein,
Yeast, Aerobic & Anaerobic Bacteria Compartments
- The immune system should have “normal” recognition
of these antigens and process them appropriately.
- If all reported results are < ref range , then the mucosal
barrier is totally shut down, regardless of the level of
sIgA. This means that there is effectively no mucosal immune
response to antigens that present and also indicates severe
intestinal permeability “leaky gut”.
- Assessing the levels of antibodies to foods is important
in determining the cause of possible chronic gastrointestinal
inflammation. Such inflammation can be accompanied by symptoms,
or it can be subclinical. If immune markers to dietary
proteins are elevated, it is important to do further testing
to determine which food the mucosal immune system is reacting
to.
- If IgA is elevated in the yeast compartment it means
that Candida is attempting to invade the intestinal mucosa.
- Determining the levels and ratio of bacterial groups
to each other helps assess digestive and absorptive function.
The ratios of the levels of the same specific immune marker
for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (i.e. IgA aerobic/IgA
anaerobic) should be about one to one. If these ratios are
>2 or <0.5, then a dysbiotic condition exists. Specific
infections should be ruled in or ruled out. However, dysbiosis
can result from a course of antibiotic therapy without
proper efforts to recolonize the gut.
- If one or more of the antibodies
in each compartment (dietary proteins, yeast, aerobic bacteria
and anaerobic bacteria) is elevated then the gut is leaky
and proteins (antigens) are entering the general circulation.
Clinical Use
The evaluation of the intestinal mucosa as a selective filter
can be regarded as an essential tool in assessing overall
health status. The Intestinal Barrier Function Screen (BHD #304)
can be used as an immunological indicator of intestinal mucosal
integrity and an index of gastrointestinal physiology. This
test is especially effective for differential diagnosis in
complex and refractory cases. It can assist in both directing
further testing and tailoring therapeutic protocols more precisely.
It also is sufficiently comprehensive to be used either in
initial screening or as follow-up.
Conditions Assessed
Conditions that may be assessed include an abnormal ratio
of aerobic-to-anaerobic bacteria, pathogen or yeast overgrowth,
intestinal mucosal immune dysfunction, systemic immune deficiency,
autoimmunity, food allergy, gluten enteropathy, malabsorption,
and “leaky gut.”
Logical Sequence of Testing
The logical sequence of using this test as an initial or a
follow-up test is determined by a variety of individual considerations,
including the patient’s chief complaint, the array of
signs and symptoms, the chronicity of the condition, the tests
previously taken, and the judgment of the practitioner. Technical
assistance is available from BioHealth Diagnostics’
support staff.
|
|
