Description

GI-MAP® — GI Microbial Assay Plus

The GI-MAP® (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is the most clinically comprehensive stool test available, using quantitative PCR (qPCR) to precisely measure pathogenic and commensal microorganisms, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, and intestinal health markers from a single stool sample.

The GI-MAP® (GI Microbial Assay Plus) is an advanced stool test that uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology to detect and measure microbial DNA, providing a highly sensitive and specific analysis of the gut microbiome and infectious organisms.

Unlike traditional stool tests, GI-MAP delivers quantitative results (genome equivalents per gram of stool), allowing precise identification of microbial overgrowth, infections, and imbalances.

This test evaluates bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and key functional markers, offering a comprehensive view of gut health from a microbial and immunological perspective.

With optional add-ons such as Zonulin (intestinal permeability marker) and Gluten Peptide, the test can further assess gut barrier integrity and immune response to gluten, providing deeper clinical insight.

What This Test Measures

1. Bacterial, Viral & Parasitic Pathogens

• Bacterial pathogens (e.g., C. difficile toxins A & B)
• Viral pathogens (Adenovirus, Norovirus)
• Protozoa and parasitic organisms

👉 Detects infections that may cause acute or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms

2. H. pylori & Virulence Factors

• Helicobacter pylori detection
• Virulence genes (cagA, vacA, babA, etc.)

👉 Helps assess not just presence, but disease-causing potential of H. pylori

3. Commensal & Keystone Microbiome

• Beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus)
• Keystone species (Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium)
• Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio

👉 Provides insight into microbiome balance and ecosystem health

4. Dysbiotic & Opportunistic Bacteria

• Overgrowth organisms (Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus)
• Inflammatory-associated microbes

👉 Identifies microbial imbalance linked to inflammation and gut dysfunction

5. Fungi, Yeast & Viruses

• Candida species
• Opportunistic fungi
• Viral markers (CMV, EBV)

6. Digestive, Immune & Inflammatory Markers

• Pancreatic elastase (digestion)
• Secretory IgA (immune function)
• Calprotectin (inflammation)
• Occult blood

👉 Provides insight into gut immune response, inflammation, and digestive capacity

7. Intestinal Permeability & Gluten Response (Add-On)

• Zonulin → marker of intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
• Anti-gliadin IgA
• Gluten peptide (stool gluten detection)

👉 Helps evaluate gut barrier integrity and immune reactivity to gluten

8. Antibiotic Resistance Genes

• H. pylori resistance markers
• Broad antibiotic resistance genes

👉 Supports more informed antimicrobial treatment decisions

Unique Feature: Quantitative DNA (qPCR) Technology

GI-MAP uses real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), one of the most sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic methods available.

• Detects very low levels of pathogens
• Provides quantitative (not just positive/negative) results
• Identifies microbes that may be missed by culture methods
• Measures each organism individually with high accuracy

👉 This allows better clinical decision-making compared to traditional stool testing

Clinical Insights

• Identifies bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections
• Detects dysbiosis and microbial imbalance
• Evaluates gut immune activation and inflammation
• Assesses digestive function and enzyme activity
• Identifies H. pylori virulence and resistance patterns
• Provides insight into intestinal permeability and gluten sensitivity

Research shows that disruption of the gut microbiome is associated with gastrointestinal disorders, immune dysregulation, and systemic inflammation, highlighting the importance of comprehensive microbial analysis.

Who Should Consider This Test

• Chronic bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
• IBS, IBD, or persistent digestive issues
• Suspected gut infections or parasites
• H. pylori symptoms (acidity, reflux, ulcers)
• Food sensitivities or gluten-related symptoms
• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions

Sample Collection

• Single stool sample (easy home collection)

🔷 Compare GI-MAP® vs GI Effects® Comprehensive

Choosing the right test depends on whether the focus is infection detection or functional gut analysis.

Key Difference

• GI-MAP® → Best for detecting infections, pathogens, and microbial DNA with high precision
• GI Effects® → Best for evaluating overall gut function and metabolism

👉 These tests are complementary, not competing

🔷 Which Gut Test Is Right For You?

👉 Choose GI-MAP® if you have:

• Suspected gut infection
• H. pylori symptoms
• IBS not responding to treatment
• Need precise pathogen detection

👉 Choose GI Effects® if you have:

• Chronic digestive issues
• Suspected inflammation or malabsorption
• Long-term gut health concerns

👉 In complex cases

Combining both tests provides:

• GI-MAP® → Pathogen detection
• GI Effects® → Functional analysis

👉 Gives a complete clinical picture

🔬 Scientific References (PubMed)

1. Platts-Mills JA, Liu J, Houpt ER.
   New concepts in diagnostics for infectious diarrhea.
   → PCR improves pathogen detection accuracy
2. Lynch SV, Pedersen O.
   The Human Intestinal Microbiome in Health and Disease.
   → Microbiome role in immunity and systemic health
3. Human Microbiome Project (NIH)
   → Microbial ecosystems influence metabolism, immunity, and disease