Pseudomonas is a genus of bacteria found in environmental settings, including water and soil. Some species can cause opportunistic infections. “Pseudomonas spp.” on a stool report describes a group target; it is not automatically a species identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Why the group and species results differ
The genus contains several species with different clinical significance. P. aeruginosa has its own entry on GI-MAP. The broader result should not be used to import every risk associated with that species into a genus-level finding. [1]
What a high GI-MAP result shows
The assay has measured targeted DNA above its comparison range. It does not directly measure bacterial invasion, toxin activity or the cause of diarrhea. Nor does it establish that a respiratory, urinary or wound infection is present. [2]
What to review before acting
Check whether the genus, the separate species or both were flagged. Bring recent antibiotics, hospitalization and immune-system conditions to the clinical discussion. These details may affect how a clinician evaluates symptoms, but the stool number alone cannot determine a treatment.
If you have no symptoms, a high flag still should not be converted automatically into an infection diagnosis. If you are unwell, a “normal” stool result should not delay evaluation of a suspected infection at another site.
Why counts should not be added together
The genus and species assays may target overlapping organisms while using different measurement rules. Adding their numbers can double-count or create a quantity the laboratory never intended. Ask for clarification if the relationship between the two results is unclear.
Common questions
Does high Pseudomonas spp mean P. aeruginosa is high?
Not necessarily. Read the species-specific line separately.
Can this result diagnose the cause of bloating?
No. Bloating has many causes, and this DNA finding does not establish a causal link.
Sources and review
Sources checked October 7, 2026. Manufacturer material describes the test; clinical guidance and research support the interpretation limits.
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Pseudomonas
- Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory: GI-MAP interpretive guide (manufacturer specifications)
Medical review of this article is pending. For a correction or source question, contact GI MAP Test.