Genova Diagnostics:GI Effects

The biomarkers on the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile (2200) reflect the 3 key functions of gut health arranged in the "DIG" format: Digestion/Absorption, Inflammation/Immunology, and the Gut Microbiome:

Digestion/Absorption:

• Pancreatic Elastase-1 is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.
• Products of Protein Breakdown are markers of undigested protein reaching the colon.
• Feacal Fat is a marker of fat breakdown and absorption.

Inflammation/Immunology:

• Calprotectin is a marker of neutrophil-driven inflammation. Produced in abundance at sites of inflammation, this biomarker has been proven clinically useful in differentiating between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). [1,2]
• Eosinophil Protein X is a marker of eosinophil-driven inflammation and allergic response.
• Feacal Secretory IgA is a marker of gut secretory immunity and barrier function.
• Feacal Occult Blood Test detects hidden blood; feacal immunochemical testing (FIT) has been recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology as the preferred noninvasive test for colorectal cancer screening/detection.

Gut Microbiome:

• Genova is the first laboratory to introduce an Inflammation-Associated Dysbiosis score and a Methane Dysbiosis score by incorporating our latest, published microbiome data analysis.22
• Metabolic indicators, including short-chain fatty acids and beta-glucuronidase, demonstrate specific and vital metabolic functions performed by the microbiota.
• Commensal Bacteria demonstrate the composition, abundance and patterns of gut organisms.
  • More than 95% of commensal gut organisms are anaerobic and are difficult to recover by traditional (aerobic) culture techniques.
  • GI Effects assesses a set of 24 genera/species that map to 7 major phyla.
  • 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) amplification technique
  • Comprehensive microbiome analysis included
• Bacterial and mycology cultures demonstrate the presence of specific beneficial and pathogenic organisms.
  • Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology is used for limitless bacterial and fungal species identification via culture
• Bacterial and mycology sensitivities are provided for pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms that have been cultured. The report includes effective prescriptive and natural agents.
• Parasitology includes comprehensive testing for all parasites on every parasitology exam ordered.
  • GI Effects provides microscopic feacal specimen examination for ova and parasites (O&P), the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.
  • 6 Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targets detect common protozoal parasites including Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis, 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 (not available for patients <2 years old, see An Updated Review of Clostridium difficile Treatment in Pediatrics)
• Escherichia coli
• Helicobacter pylori
• Feacal Lactoferrin
• Macroscopic Exam for Worms
• Zonulin Family Peptide
• KOH Preparation for Yeast