Beta-defensin (hBD-2)
Beta-defensins are the body's own antimicrobial proteins. The stool test measures human beta-defensin 2 (hBD-2), which the cells of the colon lining produce when they sense bacteria, fungi or inflammatory signals.
What beta-defensin 2 does in the body
hBD-2 inserts itself into the outer layer of bacteria and yeasts and makes them leaky. It acts mainly against Gram-negative bacteria and Candida and also attracts immune cells. It thus contributes to colonisation resistance – the ability of the gut lining to keep unwanted microbes away.
Low beta-defensin – what does it mean?
A low value can point to a weaker chemical defence of the gut lining. Studies have observed lower production, for example, in Crohn's disease affecting the colon. The value is considered together with sIgA, lysozyme and the gut flora.
High beta-defensin – what does it mean?
A raised value shows that the gut lining is actively responding to microbes or inflammation – for example with gut infections, a disturbed gut flora, increased yeasts or inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis.
The interpretation is given in your report.
Also known as: beta-defensin, β-defensin, hbd-2, defensin 2, antimicrobial peptides, colonisation resistance
Contexts in which this value is measured
- Frequent gut infections
- Recurrent fungal findings
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
- After taking antibiotics
Analyses that include this value
There is currently no analysis in the shop for this value. A practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network can tell you how else it can be determined.
View the expert networkReference ranges and how your personal value is to be read are set out in your findings report. You discuss the findings with a practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network.