GI Effects® Microbial Ecology Profile
Targeted Stool Tests for Optimal Clinical Utility
The GI Effects Microbial Ecology Profile is the most comprehensive group of stool tests that assess the diverse gut microbiome. Results provide immediate, actionable clinical information for the management of detectable parasites, bacteria, and yeast, as well as providing valuable assessment of gut microbiota via 24 Commensal Bacteria targets.
The GI Effects Microbial Ecology Profile is part of the larger GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile, which also provides information about digestion, inflammation, and bacterial metabolism markers. A larger fecal biomarker panel such as the GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile offers the advantage of assessing multiple functional areas that may be contributing to symptoms. For example, diarrhea could stem from multiple causes including pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, inflammation, food allergies, or the presence of a pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organism.
Genova Diagnostics is excited to announce the addition of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for parasites to the GI Effects Profiles. PCR is a highly sensitive and specific methodology that detects an organism's DNA.
The GI Effects now includes 6 PCR targets that detect common protozoan parasites:
- Blastocystis spp.
- Cryptosporidium spp.
- Cyclospora cayetanensis
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Giardia
The 6 PCR targets replace the 3 EIA biomarkers. The GI Effects upgrade also includes several report enhancements for ease of use.
The Genova Difference
Why Choose Genova Diagnostics' Gastrointestinal Products?
- GI Effects is a comprehensive assessment of complete GI health, assessing the root cause of most gut complaints.
- Genova uses a combination of PCR, culture, and microscopic methods to ensure any and all relevant organisms are identified.
- Genova recovers live organisms (yeast and bacteria) for susceptibility testing and improved treatment options.
- Genova measures metabolomics and can assess the interaction between the microbiome and its host.
- Genova is the market authority on stool inflammatory markers, testing calprotectin, EPX and sIgA.
- Genova has amassed a database of hundreds of thousands of complete stool profiles. Our data driven and evidence-based analysis ensures the highest standard of analytical validity and clinical utility.
Learn more about Genova's Comprehensive GI Testing Value.
Product Description
The GI Effects® Microbial Ecology Profile is a targeted stool test evaluating gut microbiome balance and assessing bacteria and parasites. Combining the best mix of molecular and culture technology, this stool test provides:
- More Actionable Results using Top Technologies and Premier Biomarkers
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), a molecular assay optimized for stool testing assesses 24 commensal bacteria associated in the scientific literature with health and disease, and provides valuable insight into the human microbiome.
- O&P (ova & parasite), the gold standard for parasite identification
- Choice of either 1 or 3 day collection, based on clinician index of suspicion for parasitic infection
- If low/no suspicion, a one day sample will likely be adequate. If high suspicion, a 3-day sample collection is optimal
- Enhanced Test Reporting that includes an Interpretation At-a-Glance overview that highlights clinically actionable biomarkers in two key areas of gut health: Infection and Imbalance
- Broad Clinical Applications
Gastrointestinal function is critical for good health. Emerging evidence in the scientific literature has associated gut microbiome status with a wide variety of common illnesses.
Add-On Tests
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium difficile
- Escherichia coli
- Fecal Lactoferrin
- Helicobacter pylori
- Macro Exam for Worms
- Stool Zonulin
- KOH Preparation for Yeast
Clinical Overview
When Should the GI Effects Microbial Ecology Profile Be Considered?
Patients with a clinical history suggestive of a gastrointestinal infection or dysbiosis can be evaluated with the GI Effects Microbial Ecology Profile. Symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation may be a result of a microbial imbalance or infection. This profile can also be used to monitor treatment efficacy to eradicate an organism or to monitor changes to the microbiota.
Gut microbes are codependent with one another and with their human host, and the health of one affects the other. A sizeable volume of research associates a dysbiotic, or imbalanced gut microbiome with multiple disease states both within and outside of the GI tract.1,2 The microbiome's diverse metabolic activities ultimately impact the human host, and the human hosts activities ultimately affect the microbiome's health.
The GI Effects Microbial Ecology Profile biomarkers include:
- Commensal Bacteria demonstrate the gut microbiomes composition and relative abundance.
- More than 95% of commensal gut organisms are anaerobic and are difficult to recover by traditional (aerobic) culture techniques. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methodology identifies bacterial populations and is considered the standard for anaerobic bacteria assessment.
- GI Effects assesses a set of 24 genera/species that map to 7 major phyla.
- Bacterial and mycology cultures demonstrate the presence of specific beneficial and pathological organisms.
- Bacterial and mycology sensitivities are provided for pathogenic or potentially pathogenic cultured organisms. The report includes effective prescriptive and natural agents.
- Parasitology includes comprehensive testing for all parasites on every parasitology exam ordered.
- GI Effects provides microscopic fecal specimen examination for ova and parasites (O&P), the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.
- 6 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targets detect common protozoan parasites including Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia. PCR for organisms is emerging as a highly sensitive method for infectious organism detection.
- Selection of a one-day or three-day sample collection is based on the clinician's clinical index of suspicion for parasitic infection. If there is no/low suspicion, a one-day sample will likely be adequate. For high suspicion, a three-day sample collection is optimal.
- Additional Biomarkers Available:
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium difficile
- Escherichia coli
- Helicobacter pylori
- Macro Exam for Worms
- KOH Preparation for Yeast
- Zonulin Family Peptide
- Fecal Lactoferrin
What Advantage Does the Microbial Ecology Profile Offer Compared to Other Diagnostics?
GI Effects® represents the best technical available to assess the gut microbiome, combining:
- 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technique for anaerobic commensal bacteria
- Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology for bacterial and fungal species identification via culture
- Gold standard microscopic ova and parasite (O&P) detection
- Real-time PCR for the identification of 6 common parasites
- Next-Generation DNA sequencing for Blastocystis spp.
The test report is organized so that the clinician can move through results in a logical order that enhances clinical utility, starting with the innovative Interpretation-At-A-Glance pages to synthesize the information.
What Can Clinicians and Patients Expect from GI Effects Microbial Ecology Profile Stool Testing?
The GI Effects Microbial Ecology Profile results provide insight into the root cause(s) of gut symptoms originating from a disturbed gut microbiome. Symptoms often improve as identified imbalances become normalized through targeted antimicrobial, dietary, lifestyle, and supplementation therapeutics.
The GI Effects Interpretive Guide is a convenient tool to support the therapeutic decision-making process for patients with complex gut-related conditions.
References
- Marchesi J, et. al. The gut microbiota and host health: a new clinical frontier. Gut. 2016 Feb;65(2):330-9.
- Clemente J, et. al. The impact of the gut microbiota on human health: an integrative review. Cell. 2012 Mar;148(6):1258-70.
Test Type: Stool Test
Analyte List |
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Akkermansia muciniphila |
Anaerotruncus colihominis |
Bacteriology |
Bacteroides vulgatus |
Bacteroides-Prevotella group |
Barnesiella spp. |
Bifidobacterium longum |
Bifidobacterium spp. |
Butyrivibrio crossotus |
Clostridium spp. |
Collinsella aerofaciens |
Color |
Consistency |
Coprococcus eutactus |
Desulfovibrio piger |
Escherichia coli |
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii |
Fecal Occult Blood |
Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B Ratio) |
Fusobacterium spp. |
Lactobacillus spp. |
Methanobrevibacter smithii |
Mic Sensitivities, Yeast or Bacteria |
Microscopic Exam Results |
Mycology (Yeast/Fungi) |
Odoribacter spp. |
Other Biomarkers |
Oxalobacter formigenes |
Parasitology |
Prevotella spp. |
Pseudoflavonifractor spp. |
Roseburia spp. |
Ruminococcus spp. |
Veillonella spp. |
Specimen Requirements |
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