Intestinal Parasites Laboratory Test (Dientamoeba fragilis + Blastocystis hominis)
€ 71,00
A large proportion of people with gastrointestinal complaints are infected with single-celled parasites. Possibly 40% of the population carries these parasites. Not everyone has symptoms, but an infection can cause symptoms that may be very troublesome.
The PARASITE PANEL 1 module determines the presence or absence of the large-intestinal parasites:
€ 71,00
Description
Intestinal parasites – stool test for Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis
Do you have long-term gastrointestinal complaints without a clear explanation? With this stool test, we use qPCR to investigate whether DNA from Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis is present. For these organisms, this molecular DNA detection is generally more sensitive than conventional microscopy.
You collect stool on two consecutive days. The test focuses on these two intestinal organisms and can be useful if you first want targeted testing before possibly requesting more extensive stool testing.
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When is this test suitable?
Targeted testing for Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis in long-term or recurring gastrointestinal complaints.
- You regularly have diarrhoea, mushy stools or a changing bowel pattern.
- You experience abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, a bloated abdomen or excessive flatulence.
- You frequently have sudden or increased urgency.
- Your gastrointestinal complaints persist without a clear explanation.
- You have been diagnosed with IBS, but Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis have not yet been specifically tested for.
- You want targeted testing first before possibly requesting more extensive stool testing.
Important: these symptoms are not specific to these organisms and can have many other causes. Medical assessment is important if symptoms are severe or worsen quickly.
What do we test?
Targeted DNA detection of two intestinal organisms in stool.
Dientamoeba fragilis
We test whether specific DNA from Dientamoeba fragilis can be detected in the stool.
Blastocystis hominis
We test whether specific DNA from Blastocystis hominis can be detected in the stool.
On two consecutive days, you collect a small amount of stool in the supplied preservative fluid. qPCR is then used to test whether DNA from Dientamoeba fragilis and/or Blastocystis hominis can be detected.
Why qPCR instead of microscopy?
qPCR specifically looks for specific DNA and can amplify and detect small amounts of target DNA.
With microscopic examination, a laboratory technician looks in the stool for recognisable forms of a parasite. Detection therefore depends, among other things, on the amount and condition of the material, the staining method used and recognition under the microscope.
With qPCR, we specifically look for specific DNA. Small amounts of target DNA can be amplified and detected. Comparative studies generally find more positive samples with PCR/qPCR for Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis than with conventional microscopy. Dientamoeba fragilis in particular can be difficult to detect microscopically.
Darmklachten.nl therefore deliberately uses qPCR. The multiplex real-time PCR used is designed to detect, among other things, Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis in stool and includes an internal control for the DNA-isolation and PCR process.
Good to know: qPCR detects DNA, but does not prove that the organism is still alive or is the cause of your symptoms.
What can the result tell you?
The report shows for each organism whether specific DNA was detected in the material tested.
Positive result
A positive result means that DNA from one or both organisms was detected. If one or both collection days contain sufficient target DNA, the test may be positive.
Negative result
A negative result means that no detectable amount of DNA from Dientamoeba fragilis and/or Blastocystis hominis was found in the material tested. Because shedding can vary, a negative result does not completely rule out their presence.
The meaning of the result should always be considered together with your symptoms, medical history and any other test results.
Explanation of the organisms tested
What a positive finding of Dientamoeba fragilis or Blastocystis hominis may mean.
Dientamoeba fragilis
Dientamoeba fragilis is a single-celled intestinal organism found worldwide, including in the Netherlands. It is found in people both with and without gastrointestinal complaints. In long-term complaints, a positive finding may be relevant, particularly when other explanations are lacking.
Blastocystis hominis
Blastocystis hominis is a common single-celled intestinal organism found in people both with and without gastrointestinal complaints. There are different genetic subtypes and the relationship with symptoms is not always clear. A positive result should therefore always be interpreted in the context of the symptoms.
How does the test work?
From collecting samples on two consecutive days to the qPCR laboratory result.
- You order the test and receive sampling materials with instructions.
- On two consecutive days, you collect a small amount of stool in the prescribed preservative fluid.
- You package and send the material according to the instructions.
- The laboratory analyses the DNA with a targeted qPCR test.
- You receive the laboratory result for Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis.
Results and next steps
How you can assess a positive or negative result in the context of your symptoms.
The report states for each organism whether DNA was detected. A positive result does not automatically mean that treatment is necessary; the result should be assessed in relation to your symptoms and other possible causes.
If you have long-term or recurring complaints, you can discuss the result with your GP or treating practitioner.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about this qPCR test for two intestinal organisms.
Yes. Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis also occur in the Netherlands, so foreign travel is not necessary to come into contact with them.
With Dientamoeba fragilis in particular, the same organism is regularly found in several members of the same household. Transmission through direct or indirect contact with microscopic amounts of stool may play a role, particularly in families with young children.
Greater exposure may occur in childcare, occupations involving nappy changing, and care work involving assistance with toileting or personal care. With Blastocystis hominis, close contact with animals may also be relevant. The precise routes of transmission are not fully understood.
Because Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis also occur in healthy people, their significance is not always easy to interpret. Dutch laboratory guidelines therefore do not recommend routine testing for everyone with gastrointestinal complaints.
In IBS with diarrhoea, targeted testing for Dientamoeba fragilis may be considered when a parasitic infection fits the differential diagnosis. For Blastocystis hominis, the relationship with symptoms is less clear. Targeted diagnostics may be particularly relevant for long-term complaints or when other causes do not provide an adequate explanation.
Good hand and toilet hygiene is important: wash your hands after using the toilet and changing nappies, before preparing food, and keep the toilet and frequently touched surfaces clean.
If several family members have symptoms or symptoms return after treatment, it may be advisable to include household members in the assessment and have them tested if necessary.
Yes. A follow-up programme can be intensive. Through Darmklachten.nl, you can request a telephone consultation with experienced healthcare professionals who can provide guidance on the practical approach, diet, hygiene and household situation. Prescription medication is provided through a doctor.
The amount shed in the stool can vary from day to day. You therefore collect samples on two consecutive days. A negative result makes the presence less likely, but does not rule it out completely.
For a targeted question about Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis, this is a straightforward test. In persistent watery diarrhoea, recent travel, weight loss, fever, blood in the stool, reduced immunity or other alarm symptoms, more extensive medical investigation may be necessary.
Follow the sampling instructions provided and do not stop prescribed medication on your own initiative. Tell your treating practitioner about recent use of anti-parasitic medication.
Questions about this test?
Contact us if you are unsure whether this targeted test is suitable for your symptoms.
Unsure whether this test is suitable for your symptoms or whether more extensive testing would be better? Contact Darmklachten.nl for help with your choice.
Order the intestinal parasite test – 2 species
Targeted qPCR test for Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis.
Would you like to use qPCR to find out whether DNA from Dientamoeba fragilis or Blastocystis hominis can be detected in your stool?
You can order the intestinal parasite test – 2 species at the top of this page.
