GI-MAP Testing

The GI-MAP is a stool test that is done to test for chronic infection. There are over 60 microbes testing in the stool test as well as intestinal health markers to test for damage and inflammation.

The Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) is an innovative clinical tool that measures gastrointestinal microbiota DNA from a single stool sample with state of the art, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology.
The GI-MAP was designed to detect microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance or contributing to illness as well as indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function.

The following is a listing of the microorganisms found on the GI-MAP:
BACTERIAL PATHOGENS
  • Campylobacter
  • C. difficile Toxin A
  • C. difficile Toxin B
  • Enterohemorrhagic E. coli
  • E. coli O157
  • Enteroinvasive E. coli/Shigella
  • Enterotoxigenic E. coli LT/ST
  • Shiga-like Toxin E. coli stx1
  • Shiga-like Toxin E. coli stx2
  • Salmonella
  • Vibro cholerae
  • Yersinia enterocolitica
  • Including H. pylori

H. pylori

Recent studies have shown that nearly 50% of the world’s population may harbor H. pylori. And, although many carriers are asymptomatic, H. pylori is known to have a causative role in ulcers, chronic gastritis, and stomach cancer.
Additionally, in early phases of colonization, patients may experience hypochlorhydria followed by a change to hyper aciduria. Over time, additional H. pylori strains may colonize, including those with Virulence Factors and increased disease potential.

PARASITIC PATHOGENS

  • Cryptosporidium
  • Entamoeba histolytica
  • Giardia

VIRAL PATHOGENS

  • Adrenovirus 40/41
  • Norovirus GI
  • Norovirus GII

NORMAL/COMMENSAL BACTERIA
Trillions of microorganisms inhabit the human intestine to make up a complex ecosystem that plays an important role in human health. Commensal bacteria extract nutrients and energy from our diets, maintain gut barrier function, produce vitamins (biotin and vitamin K), and protect against colonization by potential pathogens.