What is a parasite?
A gut parasite is a type of parasite that lives in the gastrointestinal tract of its host,
which in this case are humans. Parasites inhabit various parts of the digestive
system which includes the stomach, small and large intestines and rectum.
Examples of gut parasites include intestinal worms, protozoa and microsporidia.
They are typically acquired after the consumption of contaminated food or water,
exposure to soil or from surfaces due to poor hygiene..
What are the symptoms of having a parasite?
Symptoms can vary based on the type of parasite, infection, and individual
immune responses. Common symptoms include:
- Alternate diarrhoea and constipation
- Inconsistent stool consistency
- Stomach cramping
- Excessive vomiting
- Malnourishment and unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Bloating
- Fevers
How does parasitology testing work?
In order to explore whether or not a gut parasite is present, a stool sample analysis
should be performed to help identify the presence of parasitic eggs.
The YourGutMap Parasitology test is a simple at home stool sample swab that you
simply post back the sample using a prepaid return envelope provided. Once
received the sample is then tested using PCR methodology and results are
provided within 2-3 weeks.
What is measured for a parasitology test?
YourGutMap offers a comprehensive screening for 22 common parasites, viruses,
and pathogenic and harmful bacteria to help provide a better overall picture of
health. The test includes:
Harmful Bacteria:
- Helicobacter pylori
- Clostridium difficile
- Plesiomonas shigelloides
- Salmonella
- Yersinia enterocolitica
- Campylobacter jejuni/coli
- E. coli O157
- Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) aar
- Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) eae
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) LT
- Shiga-Toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) stx2
- Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) ipaH
Viruses:
- Adenovirus
- Astrovirus
- Norovirus GI/GII
- Rotavirus A
- Sapovirus (I, II, IV, and V)
Parasites:
- Cryptosporidium spp
- Cyclospora cayetanensis
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Giardia lamblia
