MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) is an antibiotic resistant staph that resides deep in the nasal passage of 80% of people with low MSH (Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone). MARCoNS is found in many patients with mold exposure, chronic lyme disease and biotoxin illnesses as well as other chronic inflammatory illnesses like CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome). MARCoNS is not an infection but a commensal colonization that can become an infection. These bacteria send chemicals into the blood (exotoxins A and B) that increase inflammation and by cleaving MSH causes a further decrease of MSH levels, which in turn creates more inflammation. MARCoNS is not commonly found in the deep sinuses of normal individuals with intact immune systems. The Inflammatory markers C4A and TGF-beta 1 are typically quite high in people with biotoxin illness, also called CIRS.
Once they have taken up residence, MARCoNS will further lower MSH (MARCoNS make hemolysin that cleave MSH rendering it inactive), increases cytokines, and lower T-reg cells resulting in Chronic Fatigue symptoms of body aches/pain and debilitating exhaustion. In addition, hormone imbalances, mood swings, leaky gut, alternating constipation and diarrhea, lower melatonin (poor sleep), and low ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) are all the result of low MSH. MSH protects the mucous membranes in the nose from colonization of MARCoNS. Fungal exposure, chronic lyme disease and biotoxin illnesses deplete MSH, therefore leading to colonization of these bacteria. Staph Coagulase Negative becomes multiple antibiotic resistant due to the formation of a biofilm which protects the bacteria from the penetration of the antibiotics.
Cuccia Health Institute utilizes a simple, yet highly specific nasal swab to assess for MARCoNs and additional bacteria or fungi which may also cause chronic illness. We also perform HLA-DR genetic testing to see if there is an immune defect in excreting the lyme, bacterial or mold toxins.