stoolantigen
Stoolantigen refers to specific substances or molecules found in a person's feces. These antigens can originate from various sources, including the body's own cells, microorganisms residing in the gut, or even from ingested food. The presence and quantity of certain stoolantigens can serve as important indicators for diagnostic purposes. For instance, occult blood in stool, detected through antigen tests, can signal gastrointestinal bleeding, which may be a sign of conditions like polyps or cancer. Similarly, stool antigen tests are used to detect infections caused by pathogens like *Helicobacter pylori*, a bacterium linked to ulcers and stomach cancer. Analysis of stoolantigens can also provide insights into the composition and activity of the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in the digestive tract. Changes in specific microbial antigens can indicate dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut flora that is associated with various health issues. The development of sensitive and specific stoolantigen tests has made non-invasive diagnostic approaches more feasible, improving patient comfort and facilitating early detection of diseases.