3256. PCR. Intestinal infections panel. Bacteria_7: Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio spp., Clostridium difficile toxin B, Aeromonas spp., Salmonella spp. (stool, qualitative definition)

Bacterial gastroenteritis (acute intestinal infections) occurs with bacteria such as Shigella, Salmonella, enteroinvasive and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, and others. In addition to bacteria, acute intestinal infections can be caused by Giardia lamblia and Entmoeba histolytica, as well as viruses (adenovirus, rotavirus, norovirus, etc.).

This multiplex PCR test simultaneously detects the DNA of seven major bacterial pathogens that cause acute intestinal infections. This method is highly sensitive and highly specific, and is especially effective in the early days of illness, when microbiological cultures may still be negative or insensitive.

ATTENTION! If testing for bacterial and viral intestinal infections is ordered simultaneously, the samples must be delivered in separate containers.

Acute intestinal infection (AII) is a group of diseases caused by viruses and bacteria that affect the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines (less commonly, the oropharynx). When they enter the digestive tract, they cause nausea, gastritis with vomiting, acute bloody diarrhea, and, as a result, dehydration. Symptoms depend on the type of bacteria causing the disease. General symptoms may include general intoxication, high fever, cramps, and abdominal pain. The bacteria that cause AII are transmitted through the fecal-oral route, that is, through contaminated food and water, or by contact with sick people. Contact with reptiles, birds, and amphibians can also transmit Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria.

The panel contains the following pathogens:

• Shigella spp. / Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) – the causative agent of shigellosis (dysentery) and shigella-like diarrhea, which causes inflammation of the colon with blood and mucus;
• Campylobacter spp. – one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, often associated with the consumption of thermally undercooked poultry;
• Yersinia enterocolitica – causes yersiniosis, clinically similar to appendicitis or enterocolitis;
• Vibrio spp. – including Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera and cholera-like diarrhea;
• Clostridium difficile (toxin B) – a major pathogen associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, especially in hospitalized patients;
• Aeromonas spp. – opportunistic bacteria that can cause diarrhea, especially in children, travelers, and immunosuppressed patients;
• Salmonella spp. – the causative agents of salmonellosis (non-typhoid serotypes), one of the most common causes of food poisoning.

The PCR method allows for the accurate identification of the specific genetic material of parasites due to the test's high sensitivity and specificity. This is especially important for diagnosing infections that cannot be detected by traditional microscopy or culture methods.

When?

• For acute diarrhea, especially with blood, mucus, or fever.
• For prolonged diarrhea (>7 days) that does not respond to empirical treatment.
• After consuming potentially contaminated food or water.
• After visiting areas with a high risk of intestinal infections.
• For hospital-acquired diarrhea or antibiotic-associated diarrhea (suspected Clostridium difficile).
• During an epidemiological investigation of a foodborne or waterborne infection outbreak.

Who?

• Adults and children with acute or subacute intestinal infection.
• Inpatients or those who have recently taken antibiotics.
• Immunocompromised patients (HIV, cancer, post-transplant).
• Contact persons in closed settings (kindergartens, schools, nursing homes).
• Workers in the food industry, service sector, and healthcare.

• Stool

MATERIAL COLLECTION RULES