This test looks for certain antibodies in your blood that may mean you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disease.

Presence of the tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibody is associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathies such as celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.

The "Endomysial Antibody Screen (IgA) with Reflex to Titer" is a specific blood test often used to help diagnose celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. This test looks for antibodies against a type of tissue in your body known as endomysium, which is a layer surrounding each muscle fiber. IgA refers to Immunoglobulin A, a type of antibody found in mucous membranes and blood, playing a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes. If this initial screening test detects the presence of endomysial antibodies (EMA), it typically indicates an immune response triggered by gluten consumption in individuals with celiac disease. The "reflex to titer" part means that if the initial screen is positive, the laboratory will automatically perform further testing to determine the concentration of antibodies (titer). This additional step helps gauge the severity of the disease and can be useful in monitoring how well a patient is adhering to a gluten-free diet, which is the primary treatment for managing celiac disease. A higher titer indicates a higher concentration of antibodies, suggesting a more significant immune response to gluten. Understanding the results of this test can be pivotal in diagnosing celiac disease accurately, enabling individuals to adopt necessary dietary changes to improve their health and quality of life.

The Endomysial Antibody Titer is a crucial diagnostic tool in the evaluation of celiac disease and related gluten-related disorders, aiding in early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Enniatin B is a fungal metabolite categorized as cyclohexa depsipeptides toxin produced by the fungus Fusarium. This strain of fungus is one of the most common cereal contaminants.

Enniatin B1 (ENN B1) is a type of mycotoxin—a toxic compound produced by certain molds, most often species of Fusarium. These molds can contaminate grains, cereals, and other plant-based foods, especially when crops are stored in warm or humid conditions. ENN B1 belongs to a group of related toxins called enniatins, which are considered “emerging mycotoxins” because they are not yet routinely regulated but are increasingly recognized for their potential health effects.

A moderate level of Enniatin B1 (ENN B1) in urine indicates recent dietary or environmental exposure to Fusarium mold toxins at levels above normal background, but not in the high or concerning range. This often reflects regular intake of contaminated grains or cereals, or exposure to foods stored in warm, humid, or poorly ventilated conditions. While moderate levels are not usually linked to acute toxicity, they may contribute to your overall toxic burden and could play a role in digestive issues, fatigue, or lowered immunity, especially when combined with other mycotoxins. Reducing consumption of suspect foods, improving storage practices, and supporting detoxification pathways may help bring levels down and protect long-term health.

Entamoeba coli are intestinal amebae that are found in the large intestine. They generally are not considered pathogenic. However, when these amebae are found in stool samples it can indicate the presence of other potentially pathogenic organisms.

E. histolytica invasion may contribute to T-helper-2 bias and antibody production particularly against E. histolytica lectins and their association with tissue antigens such as phospholipids, actin and ANCA. By penetrating the intestinal tissues, E. histolytica is able to disturb tight junction assemblies, thereby opening the intestinal tight junctions and putting the body at risk for autoimmunity. Once in the bloodstream, E. histolytica may trigger autoimmunity against neurological or bone tissues, due to its homology with gangliosides and skeletal actin.

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that infects an estimated 34 to 50 million people per year worldwide, and kills 100,000 individuals annually. The disease caused by E. histolytica, amebiasis, is common in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions but is also endemic in the US with the prevalence of E. histolytica infection estimated to be 4%. The most common clinical manifestation of infection with E. histolytica is amoebic diarrhea without dysentery; however, more severe cases can result in amoebic dysentery, which is diarrhea with mucous and visible or microscopic blood, severe abdominal pain, fever, and elevated fecal lysozyme. Occasional asymptomatic carriage is possible.

Entamoeba histolytica is a disease-causing parasite that can affect anyone, although it is more common in those who lived or travelled in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions. Diagnosis can be difficult since, under a microscope, it looks similar to other parasites such as Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba hartmanii. The latter two parasites generally do not cause illness.

Epidemiology:

→ Fecal contamination of ingested foods or water

→ Pets may be a source of exposure

→ Sexual contact may be a source of exposure

Clinical Implications:

→ Symptoms include diarrhea, fulminating colitis (resembling ulcerative colitis), and dysentery

→ Extreme cases may invade liver and lung tissues