Stool Examination

It is a test done on a stool sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract. These conditions include infections such as those with bacteria, viruses or parasites or cancer. Stool analysis comprises a series of tests done on stool samples, mostly to diagnose any existing digestive tract conditions. Few of these conditions involve infections from bacteria, viruses, and parasites, insufficient nutrient absorption, or cancer. The most common condition, however, is an infection caused by pathogenic bacteria. The digestive tract comprises both pathogenic bacteria and normal bacteria, that are part of the flora. The bacteria found through stool analysis helps determine the bacteria present in the digestive tract of an individual. They are known to play an essential role in the digestion of food and the prevention of the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The pathogenic bacteria can enter the digestive tract when the balance of the normal flora is affected by the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. These antibiotics prevent the growth of normal flora and allow the pathogenic bacteria to invade the digestive tract. Pathogenic bacteria can also enter the digestive tract if someone eats or drinks water that is contaminated. The common symptom of pathogenic bacteria infection is diarrhea, associated with abdominal pain, cramps, mucous in stool, nausea, and dehydration. Dehydration can further lead to electrolyte disbalance that can cause fatigue and light-headedness. Diarrhea is known to be the third leading cause of death in children in India. It is responsible for the death of 13 per cent of children aged below five years. Efforts are being made to reduce the number of cases and deaths due to diarrhea in India. The total number of deaths reduced from 2.5 million in 2001 to 1.5 million in 2012.