Gastro Panel PROTOZOA / AMOEBAE (Multiplex PCR)

Stool

This multiplex PCR is used to clarify the suspicion of an intestinal infection caused by parasitic single-celled organisms (protozoa, amoebae). If possible, the examination should be carried out in the acute stage of the disease from a native stool sample. The following common parasitic pathogens are detected:


Cryptosporidium spp.
Cryptosporidium spp. is a microscopic parasite that can cause a gastrointestinal illness called cryptosporidiosis. It is commonly found in water, soil, and food contaminated with feces from infected humans or animals. The parasite can survive outside the body for long periods and is resistant to chlorine disinfection, making it a significant cause of waterborne diseases.
Cryptosporidiosis can be transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water, food, or contact with infected individuals or animals. Symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In healthy individuals, the infection usually resolves on its own, but it can be severe and life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.

Blastocystis sp.
Blastocystis sp. is a single-celled microscopic parasite that can infect the intestines of humans and animals. It is one of the most common parasites found in humans worldwide.
The parasite is typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water.
Infection with Blastocystis sp., known as blastocystosis, can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.
Note: Blastocystis sp. is a facultative pathogenic parasite as many infected individuals remain asymptomatic.

Entamoeba histolytica
Entamoeba histolytica is a single-celled parasites that can cause amoebiasis, a potentially severe intestinal infection.
The parasite has a complex life cycle that involves two stages: the cyst stage and the trophozoite stage. The cysts are the infective form of the parasite and can survive outside the host in the environment. Once ingested, the cysts transform into trophozoites in the intestines, where they can cause damage to the intestinal lining and potentially spread to other organs, such as the liver, causing amoebic liver abscesses.
Amoebiasis can lead to a range of symptoms, including diarrhea (often with blood and mucus), abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can cause dysentery, liver abscesses, and other complications.

Giardia lamblia
Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis, is a microscopic parasite that causes a diarrheal illness called giardiasis. It is one of the most common parasites found in humans worldwide. Giardia lamblia infects the small intestine and is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and weight loss.

Dientamoeba fragilis
Dientamoeba fragilis is a single-celled parasites that can in cause gastrointestinal infection known as dientamoebiasis. It is commonly found in developing countries and is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Dientamoeba fragilis infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and fatigue.
Note: Dientamoeba fragilis is a facultative pathogenic parasite as many infected individuals remain asymptomatic.