Robert Whitfield MD finds bacterial contaminants in about one-third of clinical samples, usually Cutibacterium acnes or Staph epidermidis. These bacteria form biofilms that can trigger chronic immune responses, creating low-grade infections that persist in tissue.
About one third of cases.
And then when I discuss with patients all the time, I keep it very simple. And the results obviously will vary over time with this, the number of samples that we collect. So I always say about a third of the cases I will find typically a bacterial contaminant. Typically, in our experience, which is more of a nationwide experience, as well as accepting patients from Europe and Asia, that those will typically show Cudibacterium acnes. But you also see that Staph epidermidis right there. Now, why are these two so important? They both readily produce biofilm. So the bacteria aggregate or come together and form communities which create this protective layer, the biofilm. This can interact with your tissues. And so it's the interaction with these tissues that I've always considered to be the most important, because it's like having a prodromal phase or a low grade infection. And that can basically stimulate your immune system and keep it turned on.
