Extensive parasite, virus and bacteria screening using microscopy and PCR
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.
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.
Sample material & turnaround time
- Sample material: Stool sample
- PCR results: Typically available within 24–48 hours after arrival at the laboratory
- Microscopy results: 5–10 business days
Parasitological analysis – Microscopy
Roundworms (Nematodes)
- Ancylostoma duodenale (Hookworm) *
- Ascaris lumbricoides (Human roundworm) *
- Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm) *
- Strongyloides stercoralis (Strongyloides)
- Trichuris trichiura (Whipworm) *
- Necator Americanus
- Ancylostoma ceylanicum *
- Ancylostoma braziliense *
- Ancylostoma caninum *
- Ancylostoma tubaeforme *
- Uncinaria stenocephala *
- Others
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) *
- Hymenolepis Diminuta
- Rodentolepis nana
- Echinococcus granulossus *
- Others
Flukes (Trematodes)
- Fasciolopsis buski (Intestinal fluke)
- Fasciola hepatica (Large liver fluke) *
- Opisthorchis viverrini (Liver fluke) *
- Schistosoma haematobium (Blood fluke) *
- Schistosoma Mansoni *
- Opistorchis Felineus
- Dicrocoelium dendriticum
- Clonorchis sinensis
- Paragonimus westermani
- Paragonimus africanus
- Paragonimus mexicanus
- Others
(* means we have optional PCR analysis available for extra cost)
Unicellular parasites (Protozoa)
Microscopy and/or PCR detection of:
- Blastocystis (microscopy and PCR included)
- Dientamoeba fragilis (microscopy and PCR included)
- Giardia lamblia (microscopy and PCR included)
- Cryptosporidium (microscopy and PCR included)
- Entamoeba histolytica / dispar (microscopy and PCR included for Histolytica)
- Cyclospora cayetanensis (microscopy and PCR included)
- Entamoeba Hartmanni
- Entamöba Polecki
- Entamoeba coli
- Chilomastix Mesnili
- Endolimax Nana (non pathogenic)
- Iodamöba Butschii
- Cystoisospora Belli
- Sarcocystis Hominis
- Others
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
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)
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.
Clinical indication
THE PARASITE BOX – LARGE is recommended for patients requiring a broad parasitological and microbiological investigation, without functional gut permeability or SIBO testing.
