GI MAP Test - GI Microbal Assay

GI MAP Test - GI Microbal Assay

The GI Map Microbial Assay Test is a comprehensive stool analysis that provides a detailed insight into the microbiome of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. This test utilizes advanced PCR technology to detect and quantify a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, allowing for an accurate diagnosis of various gastrointestinal conditions.

The test provides a comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiome, including the diversity and abundance of bacterial species, potential opportunistic pathogens, and markers of inflammation and gut health. This information can be used to identify the root cause of various digestive symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, and to guide personalized treatment plans.

The GI Map Microbial Assay Test is easy to use and can be completed in the comfort of your own home. The kit includes all the necessary collection materials, and the test results are delivered within 3-5 business days. The test report includes detailed interpretation and actionable recommendations, including dietary and lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, and probiotics, to support optimal gut health and overall well-being.

The GI Map Microbial Assay Test is ideal for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of their gut health and to optimize their digestive function. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and other health issues related to gut dysbiosis. Order your GI Map Microbial Assay Test today and take the first step towards improving your gut health!

PATHOGENS

The GI-MAP® includes pathogens (bacterial, parasitic, and viral) commonly known to cause intestinal gastroenteritis. It's important to note that not all individuals with positive findings for pathogens will present with symptoms. Many factors, including the health of the individual, the transient nature of some pathogens, and the presence and expression of virulence factors all contribute to an individual's symptoms.

Toxins are a type of virulence factor produced by certain pathogens. Since GI-MAP is a DNA-based test, results reflect the levels of pathogenic strains carrying the toxin genes, not the levels of any toxins that may be produced.



BACTERIAL PATHOGENS

Campylobacter
C. difficile Toxin A
C. difficile Toxin B
Enterohemorrhagic E. coli
E. coli O157
Enteroinvasive E. coli/Shigella
Enterotoxigenic E. coli LT/ST
Shiga-like Toxin E. coli stx1
Shiga-like Toxin E. coli stx2
Salmonella
Vibro cholerae
Yersinia enterocolitica

PARASITIC PATHOGENS

Cryptosporidium
Entamoeba histolytica
Giardia

VIRAL PATHOGENS

Adrenovirus 40/41
Norovirus GI/II

H. pylori
Recent studies have shown that nearly 50% of the world's population may harbor H. pylori. And, although many carriers are asymptomatic, H. pylori is known to have a causative role in ulcers, chronic gastritis, and stomach cancer.

Additionally, in early phases of colonization, patients may experience hypochlorhydria followed by a change to hyper aciduria. Over time, additional H. pylori strains may colonize, including those with Virulence Factors and increased disease potential.



H. PYLORI & VIRULENCE FACTORS

Helicobacter pylori
Virulence Factor, babA
Virulence Factor, cagA
Virulence Factor, dupA
Virulence Factor, iceA
Virulence Factor, oipA
Virulence Factor, vacA
Virulence Factor, virB
Virulence Factor, virD


COMMENSAL/KEYSTONE BACTERIA
Trillions of microorganisms inhabit the human intestine to make up a complex ecosystem that plays an important role in human health. Commensal bacteria extract nutrients and energy from our diets, maintain gut barrier function, produce vitamins (biotin and vitamin K), and protect against colonization by potential pathogens.



COMMENSAL BACTERIA

Bacteroides fragilis
Bifidobacterium spp.
Enterococcus spp.
Escherichia spp.
Lactobacillus spp.
Enterobacter spp.
Akkermansia muciniphilia
Faecalbacterium prausnitzii
Roseburia spp.

OPPORTUNISTIC/OVERGROWTH MICROBES
Many bacteria measured on the GI-MAP are considered opportunistic pathogens, as they only cause disease and illness in some individuals, particularly the immune-compromised. Many individuals come into contact with opportunistic bacteria and experience no symptoms. Most sources consider these microbes to be normal in the stool. However, they can cause gastroenteritis and inflammation at high levels in vulnerable patients. Symptoms may include diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal pain, or even constipation.

Overgrowth and excessive colonization by opportunistic bacteria may occur when the commensal bacteria are impaired by poor diet, antibiotic use, parasitic infection, or a weakened immune system. When intestinal permeability is present (see zonulin), these microbes could escape the lumen of the gut and infect extraintestinal sites.



OPPORTUNISTIC/OVERGROWTH MICROBES

Bicillus spp.
Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecium
Morganella spp.
Pseudomonas spp.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Staphylococcus spp.
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus spp.


COMMENSAL OVERGROWTH MICROBES

Desulfovibrio spp.
Methanobacteriaceae (family)
INFLAMMATORY & AUTOIMMUNE-RELATED BACTERIA

Citrobacter spp.
Citrobacter freundii
Klebsiella spp.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis
Proteus spp.
Proteus mirabilis


COMMENSAL INFLAMMATORY & AUTOIMMINE-RELATED BACTERIA

Enterobacter spp.
Escherichia spp.
Fusobacterium spp.
Prevotella copri
FUNGI/YEAST
Fungal organisms are commonly found in the human digestive tract, but fungal overgrowth can cause illness in susceptible individuals. Fungal growth may be localized in the body. For instance, Candida spp. may be high in the large intestine but normal in the small intestine, and vice versa. In a patient with suspected fungal overgrowth, additional tests may be necessary to understand the complete picture of fungal overgrowth. Urinary D-arabinitol or antibodies to Candida are sometimes used.



FUNGI/YEAST

Candida spp.
Candida albicans
Geotricum spp.
Microsporidia spp.
Rhodoturula spp.


VIRUSES

Cytomegalovirus
Epstein Bar Virus

PARASITES
A parasite is an organism that lives and feeds on a host organism at the expense of the host. The GI-MAP tests for pathogenic parasites and protozoa (some of which are non-pathogenic) most commonly occurring in the GI tract. Sources of exposure should be identified and eliminated to prevent reinfection.



PROTOZOA

Blastocystis hominis
Chilomastix mesnelli
Cyclospora spp.
Dientamoeba fragilis
Endolimax nana
Entamoeba coli
Pentatrichomonas hominis
WORMS

Ancyclostroma duodenale
Ascaris lumbricoides
Necator americanis
Trichuris trichiura
Taenia spp.
INTESTINAL HEALTH MARKERS


DIGESTION

Steatocrit
Elastase-1
GI MARKERS

β-Glucuronidase
Occult Blood – FIT
IMMUNE RESPONSE

Secretory IgA
Anti-gliadin IgA
Eosinophil Activation Protein (EDN)
INFLAMMATION

Calprotectin

ADD-ON TESTS

Zonulin

H. PYLORI ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE GENES

The GI-MAP includes results for detection of antibiotic resistance genes in the microbiome. If an antibiotic resistance gene is present, then that class of antibiotics is designated POSITIVE for antibiotic resistance. A positive result for the presence of resistance genes for a given antibiotic indicates that the antibiotic is not an ideal choice for an antibiotic protocol.

Antibiotic resistance genes apply to all of the microorganisms found in the fecal sample. Since microbes can rapidly share DNA under stress, the presence of antibiotic resistance in any organism is reason enough to avoid that drug class.



Phenotypes | HELOBACTER

Amoxicillen
Clarithromycin
Fluroquinolines
Tetracycline


Methodology

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) or Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) – Provides you with true quantitative values. It helps differentiate trace levels of an organism from frank elevations indicative of active infection.

Specimen Requirements

Single Stool Sample – Ambient room temperature in specimen vial provided.