Extensive parasite, virus and bacteria screening using microscopy and PCR

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Clinical overview

THE PARASITE BOX – LARGE is an extensive stool-based diagnostic test designed for the detection of intestinal parasites, unicellular organisms, viruses and pathogenic bacteria. The test combines classical microscopic analysis with real-time PCR, allowing both morphological identification and molecular detection of a broad range of gastrointestinal pathogens.

This test is suitable for patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, suspected parasitic exposure, travel-related infections, or unexplained digestive complaints.

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Analytical methods

• Microscopy for helminths and unicellular parasites
• Real-time PCR for selected protozoa, viruses and pathogenic bacteria

All analyses are performed at an EU-based accredited laboratory.

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Sample material & turnaround time

• Sample material: Stool sample
• PCR results: Typically available within 24–48 hours after arrival at the laboratory
• Microscopy results: 5–14 business days

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Parasitological analysis – Microscopy

Roundworms (Nematodes)

• Ancylostoma duodenale (Hookworm)
• Ascaris lumbricoides (Human roundworm)
• Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm)
• Strongyloides stercoralis (Strongyloides)
• Trichuris trichiura (Whipworm)

Tapeworms (Cestodes)

• Dipylidium caninum (Dog tapeworm)
• Diphyllobothrium latum (Broad fish tapeworm)
• Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf tapeworm)
• Taenia saginata (Beef tapeworm / Unarmed tapeworm)
• Taenia solium (Pork tapeworm / Armed tapeworm)

Flukes (Trematodes)

• Fasciolopsis buski (Intestinal fluke)
• Fasciola hepatica (Large liver fluke)
• Opisthorchis viverrini (Liver fluke)
• Schistosoma haematobium (Blood fluke)

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Unicellular parasites (Protozoa)

Microscopy and/or PCR detection of:

• Blastocystis
• Dientamoeba fragilis
• Giardia lamblia
• Cryptosporidium
• Entamoeba histolytica / dispar
• Cyclospora cayetanensis

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Broad-spectrum PCR – Viruses & bacteria

Viruses

• Sapovirus GI/GII/GIV/GV
• Adenovirus
• Astrovirus
• Norovirus GI/GII
• Rotavirus A

Pathogenic bacteria

Gram-positive:

• Clostridium difficile (Toxin A, Toxin B, Binary toxin)

Gram-negative:

• Plesiomonas shigelloides
• Salmonella spp.
• Campylobacter spp.
• Vibrio parahaemolyticus
• Vibrio cholerae
• Vibrio vulnificus
• Shigella / Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC)
• Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC)
• Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
• Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC)
• Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)
• Yersinia enterocolitica

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Gut health analysis (stool markers)

The Large box includes standard gut health assessment, evaluating:

• Stool colour, pH and consistency
• Fat digestion (neutral fats, fatty acid crystals)
• Starch and undigested food residues
• Leukocytes (WBC) and erythrocytes (RBC)

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Medical support & add-ons

A free digital consultation with a partner physician is included in cases of confirmed tapeworm infection. A wide range of additional PCR and antibody tests can be added if clinically indicated.

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Clinical indication

THE PARASITE BOX – LARGE is recommended for patients requiring a broad parasitological and microbiological investigation, without functional gut permeability or SIBO testing.