Can kombucha cause bacterial infections?

[Benniakka]

I've been fermenting my own kombucha for only a couple months now, but the other week I developed the beginnings of an ulcer. In researching ulcers I found that a certain strain of bacteria can cause ulcers, but it is not one that is supposed to be in kombucha. My dad tried my kombucha and soon after, he developed what the doctor initially thought was a urinary tract infectiona, but now thinks its something else.

Possibly unrelated, possibly related, this is the bottled kombucha from the last batch. It's been cold around here so this is about two and a half weeks old. I bottled it with non-alcoholic apple cider from the orchard down the street. Is it supposed to look like this? Now I'm scared to drink it

 

[Benniakka]

I've also just discovered that the sediment is solid as well as liquid looking, and even though it moves like liquid, it won't budge from the bottom of the bottle. Looks über weird.

 

[skadalajara]

The sediment could be pectin from the unfiltered apple juice.
As far as infection, the Ph is likely too low. Might want to get test strips to be sure.
Without a definitive diagnosis of your father's condition, all we can do is conjecture at this point.
If you have the resources, have your KT analyzed by a lab. Maybe chat up a biology professor at a local college.

 

[kyt]

The types of yeasts and bacteria in kombucha are highly unlikely to cause any infections. They are more likely to clear up infections due to tthe low pH of the solution. The probiotics are known to fight off the bad bacteria and yeasts (like Candida) that make us sick.
The symptoms you are experiencing could be due to a Herxheimer reaction.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarisch-Herxheimer_reaction

 

[Benniakka]

@skadalajara & @kyt thanks- I did test the ph and it is quite low. I'm thinking for me at least, possibly the acidity could have caused my problem (I was drinking a bottle every day)? My stomach is healing and is now only sensitive to vinegar and citrus.

 

[Johnnyhitch1]

That "blob" at the bottom should a SCOBY.

Is that not what you ferment your kombucha with??

 

[kyt]

You're missing a verb in your statement, Johnny.