GI Effects Parasitology Profile

Targeted Test For Parasite Detection In The Gut

The GI Effects Parasitology Profile identifies parasitic protozoans and parasitic worms in the gut. It is a cost-effective follow-up test to monitor targeted treatment or an ideal initial test if parasite infection is thought to be a major clinical concern.

Parasites A' Plenty

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism (such as Blastocystis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Tapeworm, etc). It is estimated that at least one-third of the world's population is infected with intestinal parasites, making infections with these organisms one of the most common infections of humans. Food-borne parasites are thought to make an increasing contribution to the parasitic load in the average patient.

"Parasitic food-borne diseases are generally underrecognised, however they are becoming more common. Globalization of the food supply, increased international travel, increase of the population of highly susceptible persons, change in culinary habits, but also improved diagnostic tools and communication are some factors associated with the increased diagnosis of food-borne parasitic diseases worldwide."

Dorny P, et al. Emerging food-borne parasites. Veterinary Parasitology. 2009;163(3):196-206.

Symptoms of Parasite Infection

While some parasite infections can be asymptomatic and often go unnoticed, some have the potential to become chronic infections and lead to serious health consequences. Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Gas
• Bloating
• Increased allergy response
• Colitis
• Nausea
• Distention

Advantages of DNA Analysis For Parasite Detection

The Parasitology Profile uses DNA analysis to identify parasites in stool specimens. An increasing number of researchers and laboratories around the world now use these methods for detection of parasites. It has been proven beyond a doubt that molecular methods are much more sensitive and specific than conventional microscopy techniques. An article in the October 2010 issue of the journal Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, provided a concise summary of the importance of employing the most up-to-date techniques in parasitology:

"Classical diagnosis of diarrhea causing protozoa by microscopic examination of a stool sample lacks both sensitivity and specificity... Recent literature on the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa has focused mainly on nucleic acid-based assays, in particular the specific detection of parasite DNA in stool samples using real-time PCR."

van Lieshout L & Verweij JJ. Newer diagnostic approaches to intestinal protozoa. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2010;23(5):488–493.

The Most Comprehensive Parasite Test Available

The advantage of the Parasitology Profile is that it doesn’t just measure one or two parasites, but rather a total of 28! This makes it the perfect test for screening patients suspected of carrying a parasite infection. A list of the various genus and species probes included in the Parasitology Profile is shown below. The additional universal parasite probe was designed to detect DNA from any parasite that does not correspond to one of the genus or species probes. This essentially means that if your patient has any type of parasite infection, it will be detected using the Parasitology Profile.

Blastocystis Hominis Treatment & Dientamoeba Fragilis Treatment

Blastocystis hominis infection is one of the most common parasite infections in the world. It is often found in the stools of individuals suffering from diarrhea and/or constipation, abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal diseases. Common symptoms attributed to Blastocystis hominis infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and nausea.

Blastocystis Hominis treatment | Dientamoeba Fragilis treatment | Blastocystis hominis parasite | Blastocystis hominis symptoms