The gastrointestinal microbiome has really come to the forefront of modern medicine over the last decade. The role microbes play in local GI conditions such as IBS, IBD and SIBO is well documented, as is their systemic interplay in chromic conditions such as autoimmunity.
Billions of microorganisms colonise the gastrointestinal tract which extends from the stomach to the rectum. The presence and activity of these microorganisms is fundamental for physiological balance – homeostasis. They play a key role in the development of the immune system, digestion of fibres, production of energy metabolites, vitamins and neurotransmitters and in the defence against pathogen colonisation. The disruption of these microbial communities – dysbiosis – has been associated with several diseases.
When testing the gut microbiome, comprehensive a stool test is far and away the most common and most reliable way to ascertain the overall state of the gut and its ecology. When optimising health it may be relating to IBS/IBD, autoimmune conditions, neurodegeneration and neurodevelopment, depression, chronic fatigue, SIBO or systemic inflammation.
GI EcologiX™ uses quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to provide an accurate, reliable and quantifiable measurement of microbiota abundance and host inflammatory markers. The profile detects:
- Healthy gastrointestinal microbiome (homeostasis of host and microbiome)
- Gastrointestinal dysbiosis detected (imbalance of the GI microbiota and/or host immune response)
- Gastrointestinal pathogens detected (bacteria and amoebae)
Biomarkers
- Beta Defensin 2
- Calprotectin
- Elastase
- Secretory IgA
- Zonulin
- Commensal bacteria
- Bacteroides sub-group
- Clostridium sub-group
- Opportunistic bacteria
- Sulfidogenic bacteria
- LPS forming bacteria
- Mycology- Candida
- Parasitology
- H Pylori + stool antigen