Intestinal Parasites Laboratory Test (6 species)
€ 89,00
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 2 module determines the presence or absence of the following intestinal parasites:
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Blastocystis hominis
- Giardia lamblia
- Cryptosporidium spp.
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Cyclospora cayentanensis
€ 89,00
Description
Intestinal parasites – stool test for 6 species
Do you have long-standing or recurring gastrointestinal complaints and want broader testing to determine whether single-celled intestinal parasites may play a role? With this stool test, we use qPCR to examine whether DNA from six intestinal parasites is present: Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis.
With the 6-species panel you choose a broader screening than with the targeted test for Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis alone.
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When is this test suitable?
Broader qPCR testing when long-standing gastrointestinal complaints, travel or possible exposure provide a reason to test for several intestinal parasites at the same time.
- You regularly have diarrhoea, mushy stools or a changing bowel pattern.
- You experience abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, a bloated abdomen or a lot of flatulence.
- Your gastrointestinal complaints persist without a clear explanation.
- You developed persistent gastrointestinal complaints after travelling abroad.
- You have prolonged or recurring watery diarrhoea.
- You may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water, recreational water, food or stool from humans or animals.
- In addition to Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis, you want a broader parasite panel to be carried out immediately.
Important: these symptoms are not specific to parasites and can have many other causes. In cases of severe symptoms, blood in the stool, high fever, dehydration, marked weight loss or reduced immunity, assessment by a doctor is important.
What do we test?
Targeted DNA detection of six single-celled intestinal parasites in stool.
Dientamoeba fragilis
Presence of specific DNA in stool.
Blastocystis hominis
Presence of specific DNA in stool.
Giardia lamblia
Presence of specific DNA in stool.
Cryptosporidium spp.
Presence of specific DNA in stool.
Entamoeba histolytica
Presence of specific DNA in stool.
Cyclospora cayetanensis
Presence of specific DNA in stool.
You collect a small amount of stool on two consecutive days in the supplied preservative fluid. A multiplex qPCR is used to examine whether DNA from one or more of these six parasites is detectable.
Why qPCR instead of microscopy?
qPCR specifically looks for specific DNA and makes it possible to test for several parasites at the same time.
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 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. This makes it possible to test specifically for different parasites at the same time, and the result is less dependent on microscopic recognition.
This is particularly relevant for this panel. For example, Entamoeba histolytica cannot be reliably distinguished by microscopy from certain very similar, non-pathogenic Entamoeba species. Molecular diagnostics enables targeted identification.
For this reason, Darmklachten.nl deliberately uses qPCR. The multiplex real-time PCR used is designed for simultaneous detection of these six parasites and contains 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, how severe any infection is, or to what extent the organism detected is causing your symptoms.
What can the result tell you?
The report shows for each parasite whether specific DNA was detected in the material tested.
Positive result
Positive means that DNA from one or more of the six parasites tested was detected. If one or both sampling days contain sufficient target DNA, the test may be positive.
Negative result
Negative means that no detectable amount of DNA from these six parasites was found in the material tested. Because shedding can vary, a negative result does not completely rule out their presence.
The significance of a positive result differs by organism. Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis, for example, can also be found in people without symptoms. A positive finding of Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica or Cyclospora cayetanensis generally has a different clinical significance.
Always assess the result in conjunction with your symptoms, medical history, travel and any other test results.
Explanation of the parasites tested
What the six organisms are and why a positive finding can be interpreted differently for each parasite.
Dientamoeba fragilis
Dientamoeba fragilis is a single-celled intestinal organism that occurs worldwide, including in the Netherlands. It is found in people both with and without gastrointestinal complaints. In cases of long-standing symptoms, a positive finding may be relevant, especially when other explanations are lacking.
Blastocystis hominis
Blastocystis hominis is a common single-celled intestinal organism that occurs 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 assessed in relation to the symptom pattern.
Giardia lamblia
Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia duodenalis or Giardia intestinalis, can cause an intestinal infection with symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gas formation and sometimes fatty or strongly smelling stools. Infection can occur through contaminated water or food and through direct contact, for example within families or childcare settings.
Cryptosporidium spp.
Cryptosporidium can mainly cause watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and weight loss. Transmission is possible through contaminated recreational or drinking water, food and contact with infected people or animals. In people with reduced immunity, the infection may be more severe.
Entamoeba histolytica
Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebiasis. The infection is more common in areas with poorer sanitation. Many infected people have no symptoms, but the organism can cause diarrhoea and abdominal pain and, in more severe cases, bloody diarrhoea. qPCR enables targeted detection of E. histolytica.
Cyclospora cayetanensis
Cyclospora cayetanensis can cause prolonged or recurring watery diarrhoea, often with abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue and weight loss. Infection is mainly associated with contaminated food or water and is more common in tropical and subtropical regions.
How does the test work?
From sampling on two consecutive days to the separate qPCR result for all six parasites.
- You order the test and receive sampling materials with instructions.
- You collect a small amount of stool on two consecutive days in the prescribed preservative fluid.
- You package and send the material according to the instructions.
- The laboratory analyses the DNA with a multiplex qPCR test.
- You receive a separate laboratory result for all six parasites.
Results and next steps
The significance of a positive result depends on which parasite was detected and on your symptoms.
The report states for each parasite whether DNA was detected. A positive result does not automatically mean the same thing for every parasite. Some organisms can be carried without symptoms; other parasites are more clearly associated with an intestinal infection.
If there is a positive finding or persistent symptoms, you can discuss the result with your GP or treating healthcare professional. Follow-up may be intensive depending on the parasite found. Through Darmklachten.nl you can request a telephone consultation with experienced healthcare professionals who can help with the practical approach, diet, hygiene and family situation. Prescription medication is arranged through a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the 6-species intestinal parasite panel.
The 2-species test focuses on Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis. Within our Dutch practice, these are the parasites we detect most often. The 6-species panel additionally tests for Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis. This makes the test broader and particularly relevant if you also want to include other possible exposures, for example after travel or in cases of prolonged watery diarrhoea.
No. More measurements do not automatically mean that the test is better for everyone. If the question specifically concerns Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis, the 2-species panel may be sufficient. The 6-species panel is intended for people who want broader testing or for whom the four additional parasites may be relevant on the basis of symptoms, travel or possible exposure.
Yes. Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. can also be transmitted in the Netherlands. Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis are more strongly associated with certain countries and food or water conditions, but foreign travel is not necessary in every case.
Because the risk of some parasitic infections differs by region and sanitary conditions. A recent trip can particularly increase the risk of infection with Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis. Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. can also play a role in travellers’ diarrhoea.
Parasites and parasitic DNA are not necessarily shed in the same amount every day. You therefore collect material on two consecutive days. A negative result makes their presence less likely, but does not completely rule it out.
Follow the enclosed sampling instructions and do not stop prescribed medication on your own initiative. Tell your healthcare professional about any recent use of anti-parasitic medicines.
Questions about this test?
Contact us if you are unsure whether to choose the 2-species panel or the broader 6-species panel.
Are you unsure whether to choose the 2-species panel or the 6-species panel? Please contact Darmklachten.nl. We will be happy to help determine which test best matches your question and symptoms.
Order the intestinal parasite test – 6 species
Broader qPCR testing for six single-celled intestinal parasites.
Would you like to use qPCR to test whether DNA from six single-celled intestinal parasites is detectable in your stool?
You can order the intestinal parasite test – 6 species at the top of this page.
