Description

The GI Pathogens Profile is a comprehensive test designed to analyze bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens that can cause a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including hospital-acquired infections, foodborne illnesses, and common causes of diarrhea. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology, this test identifies pathogens responsible for infections in the gastrointestinal system with high sensitivity and precision.

While the test no longer includes an analysis of antibiotic resistance genes for opportunistic or universal bacteria, it still provides a detailed assessment of the key pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Purpose:

  • Identify Infections: The test helps identify the presence of specific pathogens that cause gastrointestinal illness, such as food poisoning, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
  • Detect Viruses, Bacteria, and Parasites: It analyzes a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
  • Track Hospital-Acquired and Foodborne Pathogens: This test is helpful for detecting hospital-acquired infections and foodborne illnesses.

Biomarkers Analyzed in the GI Pathogens Profile:

  1. Adenovirus 40/41:
  • Associated with viral gastroenteritis, particularly in children.
  • Causes symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
  1. Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) Toxin A & B:
  • A leading cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea, especially after antibiotic use.
  • Toxins A and B can cause inflammation in the colon, leading to symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to severe colitis.
  1. Campylobacter spp.:
  • A common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, often linked to raw or undercooked poultry.
  • Symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, and fever.
  1. Cryptosporidium spp.:
  • A parasitic infection often acquired through contaminated water or food.
  • Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration.
  1. E. coli O157:
  • A strain of Escherichia coli that can cause severe foodborne illness, including bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.
  1. Entamoeba histolytica:
  • A parasitic infection that can lead to amoebic dysentery.
  • Causes symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in stools.
  1. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli:
  • Similar to E. coli O157, this strain produces Shiga toxins and causes severe diarrhea (often bloody) and can lead to kidney complications.
  1. Enteroinvasive E. coli / Shigella:
  • These pathogens cause invasive gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like dysentery, including bloody diarrhea and fever.
  1. Enterotoxigenic E. coli:
  • A major cause of traveler's diarrhea, particularly in developing countries.
  • Causes watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
  1. Giardia:
  • A parasite responsible for giardiasis, a common cause of diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and fatigue.
  1. H. pylori:
  • A bacterium that causes peptic ulcers and is associated with chronic gastritis.
  • Can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, and more severe complications like ulcers and gastric cancer.
  1. H. pylori Virulence Factors: The test also analyzes several virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori to understand its pathogenic potential:
  • babA
  • cagA
  • dupA
  • iceA
  • oipA
  • vacA
  • virB
  • virD
  1. Norovirus GI & GII:
  • Norovirus is one of the most common causes of viral gastroenteritis, especially in outbreaks such as in cruise ships and nursing homes.
  • It causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
  1. Salmonella spp.:
  • A bacterial pathogen typically associated with contaminated food, particularly undercooked poultry and eggs.
  • Causes diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
  1. Shiga-like Toxin E. coli stx1 & stx2:
  • Toxins produced by certain strains of E. coli that cause severe, bloody diarrhea and complications such as HUS.
  1. Vibrio cholerae:
  • The bacterium that causes cholera, leading to severe watery diarrhea and dehydration.
  • Common in regions with poor sanitation.
  1. Yersinia enterocolitica:
  • A bacterium often associated with contaminated food, particularly pork.
  • Can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

Test Process:

  • Sample Type: A stool sample is typically required for this test.
  • Testing Method: qPCR (quantitative PCR) is used to detect the DNA of the pathogens listed above. This method allows for precise and accurate identification, even in small amounts of pathogen DNA.
  • Turnaround Time: Results are typically available within 7-10 business days, not including transportation time.

Symptoms Indicative of GI Pathogens:

  • Diarrhea: Whether watery, bloody, or mucus-filled.
  • Abdominal Cramps/Pain: Often related to inflammation or infection in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Nausea/Vomiting: Common in viral and bacterial infections.
  • Fever: Indicates a possible bacterial or viral infection.
  • Dehydration: Caused by severe diarrhea or vomiting, especially in children and older adults.
  • Bloody Stools: A sign of a more serious infection, such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Shigella.

Why This Test Is Important:

  • Identifies Pathogens Quickly: Helps identify the exact pathogen causing gastrointestinal distress, which can inform appropriate treatment (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitic medications).
  • Detects a Wide Range of Pathogens: This test covers a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, providing a comprehensive view of potential causes.
  • Guides Treatment Decisions: Knowing the specific pathogen can help healthcare providers determine the most effective treatment and prevent complications like dehydration or malnutrition.