Clinical specimen: Stool 
 

1. What is gut microbiome?

The microbiome are the microorganisms which include bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites. The microbiome consists of trillions of microbes which outnumbers human cells in the body approximately 10 to 1. Even in same family, the gut microbiome can vary and is now considered as unique as the human fingerprint. Understanding and identifying the method for microbiome analysis is a critical first step in identifying and administering a gut health solution. The balance of microorganism in the intestine is a key factor for good health, immunity and gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. In normal conditions, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are most dominated species in the intestine. But the presence of dysbiosis or pathogenic microorganism may alter the intestinal microbiome. 

2. Why use cordon Gut microbiome test?

The Cordon Gut Microbiome Test (EMA) Test is based on metagenomics next generation sequencing which can detect and quantify >2000 microorganisms (bacteria/fungi/virus/parasites). The evolution of such technology has shown that Whole Genome Sequencing, utilized by Cordon Genomics, consistently provides the most robust and in-depth level of data including interpretation of individual microbes and uncovering strain level variances between organisms. The technology is based on total nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA), whole genome and targeted amplification followed by sequencing. This enables the taxonomic assignment and relative quantification of each microorganism present in a sample. Our test is validated and recommended by top notch gastroenterologist in India. 

3. How to understand report?

Microorganism are classified into 3 phenotypic groups based on phenotypic characteristics. 
Phenotypic group 1: Phenotypic group 1 represents obligate and opportunistic pathogens which can cause disease at any quantity. 
Phenotypic group 2: Phenotypic group 2 represent commensal pathogens which can cause disease due to dysbiosis but may also represent normal microbiota. 
Phenotypic group 3: Phenotypic group 3 represent healthy microorganisms which can help maintain normal microbiota and health. 
Clinically relevant microorganisms from phenotypic group 1 and 2 are reported. For complete list of microorganisms detected this test please visit this link https://cordondiagnostics.com/pathogens/