BIOHM Gut Test: The Case for Testing Fungi Alongside Bacteria

Why the gut mycobiome matters, what most microbiome tests miss, and whether BIOHM’s dual-kingdom approach delivers meaningful clinical insight

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When researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine examined the digestive tracts of patients with Crohn’s disease in 2016, they found something that most microbiome studies had overlooked. Published in mBio, the study by Hoarau et al. identified that a specific fungal species, Candida tropicalis, worked in concert with two bacterial species (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) to form biofilms in the gut walls of Crohn’s patients. These cross-kingdom biofilms, structures involving both bacteria and fungi cooperating to create protective matrices, were significantly more prevalent in diseased tissue than in healthy controls.

The finding highlighted a gap in consumer microbiome testing: nearly every at-home gut test on the market analyzes only bacteria, ignoring the fungal community (mycobiome) entirely. This is roughly analogous to studying a forest ecosystem by cataloging only the trees while ignoring the fungi, mosses, and lichens that drive nutrient cycling. BIOHM Health, founded by the lead researcher of that Crohn’s study, Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, built its gut test and probiotic line around the premise that bacteria-only analysis is fundamentally incomplete.

What Is the BIOHM Gut Test?

The BIOHM Gut Test is an at-home stool microbiome test that analyzes both bacterial and fungal communities in the gut. Unlike most consumer microbiome tests that profile only bacteria using 16S rRNA sequencing, BIOHM uses DNA sequencing methods that capture both kingdoms, providing a view of the gut ecosystem that includes major bacterial phyla and fungal populations.

Users receive a comprehensive report that includes an overall Gut Score on a 1 to 10 scale, a strain-level breakdown of bacterial and fungal populations, comparisons against reference ranges for six major bacterial communities and four major fungal communities, and personalized dietary and supplement recommendations. BIOHM has also introduced a Longevity Gut Score that maps microbial patterns associated with aging and healthspan.

Results are reviewed by a microbiome-trained registered nutritionist, and the test includes a 30-minute consultation to discuss findings and recommendations. The test retails for approximately $149 and does not require a prescription or healthcare provider order.

The Science Behind It

The scientific foundation for BIOHM’s dual-kingdom approach rests on the growing recognition that the gut mycobiome, the fungal component of the intestinal microbiome, plays a significant role in digestive and immune health. While fungal cells make up a small fraction of total gut microbial biomass (estimated at 0.1% to 1%), their metabolic influence is disproportionately large.

The 2016 mBio study by Hoarau et al. that inspired BIOHM’s founding identified bacteriome-mycobiome interactions in Crohn’s disease, demonstrating that fungal species do not operate in isolation but form functional partnerships with bacteria. The study found significantly elevated levels of Candida tropicalis in Crohn’s patients and, critically, showed that this fungus cooperated with specific bacteria to create biofilms that standard antibiotic therapy could not penetrate. This cross-kingdom biofilm formation represents a mechanism of disease that bacteria-only testing simply cannot detect.

A 2020 review published in Gut Microbes by Richard and Bhatt examined the role of the gut mycobiome across multiple disease states and concluded that fungal dysbiosis is implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. The review noted that Candida species, Malassezia, and Saccharomyces are among the most clinically relevant gut fungi, with their relative abundances shifting in predictable patterns during disease states.

Dr. Ghannoum’s own research, including a 2022 study published in Microbiome, evaluated the effects of BIOHM’s probiotic formulation (which includes both bacterial and fungal probiotic strains, specifically Saccharomyces boulardii) on gut microbiome composition. The study reported measurable shifts in both bacterial and fungal populations following supplementation, though it was an open-label design without a placebo control.

The inclusion of fungal analysis is particularly relevant for individuals taking antibiotics, which selectively eliminate bacteria while leaving fungal populations unchecked. A 2019 study published in Cell Host and Microbe by Zhai et al. demonstrated that antibiotic-induced bacterial depletion leads to fungal overgrowth, particularly of Candida species, which can trigger inflammatory immune responses even after bacterial populations recover.

That is the science. Here is how BIOHM applies it.

What It Does Well

BIOHM’s defining advantage is the inclusion of fungal analysis alongside bacterial profiling. In a market where virtually every competitor tests only bacteria, BIOHM provides a more complete picture of the gut ecosystem. For users concerned about candida overgrowth, post-antibiotic fungal imbalance, or the bacterial-fungal interactions that contribute to biofilm formation, this dual-kingdom approach addresses a genuine gap in the testing landscape.

The Gut Score system, rated on a 1 to 10 scale, provides an accessible summary metric that makes results interpretable for non-specialists. The comparison against reference populations for both bacterial and fungal communities gives users context for understanding whether their levels fall within expected ranges or deviate significantly.

The included consultation with a microbiome-trained registered nutritionist adds value that standalone testing platforms do not provide. Having a professional interpret results and translate them into specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations helps bridge the gap between data and action, which remains one of the biggest challenges in consumer microbiome testing.

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BIOHM’s research credibility benefits from its founder’s academic track record. Dr. Ghannoum holds over 400 peer-reviewed publications in mycology and microbiome research, and the company’s approach is rooted in specific published findings rather than general microbiome marketing claims.

Pricing, Access, and Practical Realities

The BIOHM Gut Test is priced at $149, which includes the test kit, laboratory analysis, comprehensive report, and a 30-minute consultation with a registered nutritionist. This positions it in the mid-tier of consumer microbiome testing: more expensive than Ombre’s $99 bacteria-only test, but less than ZOE’s $299 to $499 multi-test platform.

The total cost depends on whether users also purchase BIOHM’s probiotic supplements, which are formulated to address both bacterial and fungal imbalances. Monthly probiotic costs range from approximately $35 to $50, making the first-year cost approximately $569 to $749 for users who test and supplement continuously.

BIOHM is not FDA cleared as a diagnostic device. The test is classified as a wellness product, and results are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. The test is not typically HSA or FSA eligible.

Results take approximately four to six weeks, with some users reporting up to seven weeks during peak periods. The consultation is scheduled after results are available, adding additional time before users have a complete understanding of their results and recommended next steps.

Who It Is Best For

BIOHM is best suited for individuals who suspect or want to rule out fungal imbalances in their gut, particularly those with recurrent candida issues, recent antibiotic use, or symptoms that have not responded to bacteria-focused interventions. Users who have previously taken a bacteria-only microbiome test and found the results unhelpful may benefit from the additional mycobiome data.

The included nutritionist consultation makes BIOHM particularly appropriate for users who want guided interpretation rather than a self-service data report. People new to microbiome testing who want professional context alongside their results will find this feature valuable.

Those who may want to skip BIOHM include users primarily interested in metabolic and nutritional optimization, who would be better served by ZOE’s multi-test platform. Individuals seeking clinical-grade diagnostic information for conditions like SIBO, parasitic infections, or inflammatory bowel disease should look to practitioner-ordered tests like GI-MAP. Users on a tight budget who want basic bacterial profiling can get adequate information from Ombre at $99.

How It Compares

Against Ombre ($99), BIOHM’s primary advantage is the inclusion of fungal analysis and the nutritionist consultation. Ombre tests only bacteria using 16S rRNA sequencing and provides automated recommendations without professional review. For users unconcerned about fungal balance, Ombre offers adequate bacterial profiling at a lower price. For users who want the fungal dimension, BIOHM fills a gap that Ombre cannot.

Compared to Viome ($149 to $249), BIOHM offers a different value proposition. Viome uses metatranscriptomic sequencing to capture active gene expression across bacteria, viruses, and fungi, providing functional data that BIOHM’s DNA-based approach does not. However, Viome’s analysis is algorithmically driven without a human nutritionist consultation. Users who prioritize depth of functional data choose Viome; those who want bacteria-plus-fungi profiling with professional guidance choose BIOHM.

Against practitioner-ordered tests like GI-MAP (Diagnostic Solutions) or GI Effects (Genova Diagnostics), BIOHM is less comprehensive. Clinical stool panels test for specific pathogens, digestive enzymes, inflammation markers, and parasites in addition to microbial profiling. However, they cost $359 to $499, require a healthcare provider order, and are designed for clinical evaluation rather than wellness optimization.

Limitations and Open Questions

While BIOHM’s inclusion of fungal analysis is a genuine differentiator, the clinical utility of consumer-grade mycobiome testing remains uncertain. The reference ranges for fungal populations are less well-established than for bacteria, and the evidence base connecting specific fungal profiles to actionable interventions is thinner than the bacterial literature.

BIOHM’s published clinical research, while encouraging, consists primarily of open-label studies without placebo controls. Randomized controlled trials directly demonstrating that BIOHM’s combined bacterial-fungal probiotic produces superior outcomes compared to standard probiotics have not been published.

The Gut Score, while accessible, compresses complex microbial data into a single number. Users should understand that two individuals with the same score could have very different microbial compositions requiring different interventions. The score is a useful summary metric but should not be interpreted as a comprehensive assessment.

The four to seven week turnaround time for results is longer than some competitors. For users experiencing acute digestive symptoms, this delay may limit the test’s practical utility for guiding timely interventions.

What This Means for Your Health

The gut microbiome’s influence extends across every foundational health pillar. Nutrition shapes both bacterial and fungal populations: high-sugar diets fuel Candida growth, while dietary fiber and fermented foods support beneficial bacterial diversity. Sleep deprivation has been shown to alter microbial composition within days. Physical activity promotes short-chain fatty acid production by gut bacteria. Stress, managed through breathwork and mindset practices, affects gut permeability and immune regulation through the vagus nerve.

Metabolic dysfunction and immune dysregulation, two aspects of the Four Shadows that threaten long-term healthspan, have both bacterial and fungal microbial correlates. Ignoring the fungal component of gut health is increasingly recognized as an incomplete approach. The question is not whether the mycobiome matters (the research clearly says it does) but whether current testing technology is sophisticated enough to translate mycobiome data into reliably actionable recommendations.

BIOHM occupies a thoughtful position in this landscape. It addresses a genuine scientific gap by including fungal analysis that competitors ignore. It pairs data with professional interpretation through the nutritionist consultation. And it is built on a foundation of published academic research rather than marketing claims. The practical takeaway: if you have tested your gut bacteria without finding answers, the problem may not be your bacteria at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes BIOHM different from other gut tests?
BIOHM is one of the only consumer microbiome tests that analyzes both bacteria and fungi (the mycobiome). Most competitors test only bacteria using 16S rRNA sequencing. BIOHM profiles six major bacterial communities and four major fungal communities, providing a more complete view of the gut ecosystem. The test also includes a 30-minute consultation with a microbiome-trained registered nutritionist.

How much does the BIOHM Gut Test cost?
The BIOHM Gut Test costs $149, including the test kit, laboratory analysis, comprehensive report, and nutritionist consultation. Optional BIOHM probiotic supplements cost approximately $35 to $50 per month. Total first-year cost ranges from $149 (test only) to approximately $749 (test plus monthly probiotics).

Why does testing for fungi matter?
Research has shown that gut fungi, particularly Candida species, interact with bacteria to form biofilms associated with inflammatory conditions. Antibiotic use selectively kills bacteria while leaving fungal populations unchecked, potentially leading to fungal overgrowth. A bacteria-only test cannot detect these imbalances. The 2016 study that inspired BIOHM found that bacterial-fungal biofilms were significantly more prevalent in Crohn’s disease patients.

What is the BIOHM Longevity Gut Score?
The Longevity Gut Score maps microbial patterns associated with aging and healthspan based on research into the gut microbiomes of long-lived populations. It provides an additional dimension beyond the standard Gut Score by focusing specifically on microbial markers that correlate with healthy aging, including diversity metrics and the presence of specific beneficial species.

How long does it take to get BIOHM results?
Results are typically available within four to six weeks, with some users reporting up to seven weeks during high-demand periods. After results are available, the nutritionist consultation is scheduled separately. The total process from ordering to completing the consultation may take five to eight weeks.

Is BIOHM better than a doctor-ordered stool test?
BIOHM and clinical stool panels serve different purposes. Practitioner-ordered tests like GI-MAP or GI Effects test for specific pathogens, digestive enzymes, inflammation markers, and parasites, making them appropriate for diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions. BIOHM provides microbial community profiling for wellness optimization. For clinical symptoms, a practitioner-ordered test is more appropriate.

Is BIOHM FDA approved?
No. BIOHM is classified as a general wellness product, not a medical diagnostic device. It does not hold FDA clearance for diagnostic claims. Results are intended for wellness information only and should not replace clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider for gastrointestinal conditions.

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