Molecular Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis

Molecular diagnosis of dysbiosis is a modern, highly accurate method for studying the composition of intestinal microbiota based on genetic material analysis of microorganisms. This approach allows detection and quantitative assessment of bacteria and other microorganisms, including those that do not grow under culture conditions.

  • Main molecular diagnostic methods:
    • PCR (polymerase chain reaction) — detection of DNA of specific pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. Enables finding small amounts of parasitic, bacterial, or fungal pathogens.
    • 16S rRNA sequencing — method based on sequencing the 16S ribosomal RNA gene unique to bacteria. Allows identification of microbiota composition at genus and species levels, including hard-to-culture organisms.
    • Metagenomic analysis — advanced sequencing of the entire microbial DNA community in the sample with subsequent bioinformatics analysis, providing a complete picture of intestinal microbiocenosis including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.

  • Advantages of molecular diagnostics:
    • High sensitivity and specificity, detecting even low levels of microorganisms.
    • Ability to detect uncultivable and rare microbial species.
    • Shorter turnaround times compared to culture methods.
    • Comprehensive characterization of microflora, including beneficial, conditionally pathogenic, and pathogenic microorganisms.
    • Assessment of microbiota imbalance at the molecular level aids accurate diagnosis of dysbiosis and therapy monitoring.

  • Sample for analysis:
    Usually a fresh stool sample collected in a sterile container and delivered promptly to the laboratory to preserve DNA quality.

  • Indications for testing:
    • Suspected dysbiosis with digestive symptoms, chronic intestinal inflammation, and other gastrointestinal diseases.
    • Monitoring microbiota composition during prolonged antibiotic use and after antibacterial therapy.
    • Evaluation of probiotic and prebiotic therapy effectiveness.
    • Microbiota study in complex diseases and immune disorders.

  • Interpretation features:
    Molecular test results reveal changes in proportions and quantities of key bacterial groups (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, clostridia, Escherichia coli, etc.), define imbalance, and detect potentially pathogenic microbes contributing to inflammation and intestinal dysfunction.

  • Conclusion:
    Molecular diagnosis of dysbiosis provides deep and comprehensive microbiota analysis, facilitating precise diagnosis and personalized therapy, improving treatment outcomes and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.