What diseases can be detected through a routine stool examination?
Jun 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, routine stool tests can detect diseases such as bacterial dysentery, gastrointestinal bleeding, parasitic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatobiliary disorders. However, please note that routine stool tests are only used as an initial screening and assessment tool; a definitive diagnosis must be made through comprehensive analysis combining the patient's clinical symptoms, physical signs, and results from other diagnostic tests.
Under normal circumstances, routine stool examinations can detect diseases such as bacterial dysentery, gastrointestinal bleeding, parasitic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatobiliary disorders. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Bacterial Dysentery
Bacterial infection causes inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa, leading to neutrophil infiltration and mucosal bleeding. Inflammatory cells and red blood cells can be observed under microscopic examination of the stool; bacterial culture can identify the specific causative organism, providing a basis for antibiotic treatment.
2. Gastrointestinal Bleeding
When there is gastrointestinal bleeding, blood may mix with the stool, causing changes in stool color such as black tarry stools, bloody stools, or a positive fecal occult blood test. A positive occult blood test may indicate the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. Parasitic Infections
Parasitic infections such as roundworm or tapeworm infections may reveal parasite eggs or whole parasites in the stool. If parasites or their eggs are observed during routine stool examination, parasitic infection can be definitively diagnosed.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Chronic intestinal inflammation causes mucosal congestion, edema, and ulceration. Inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue damage allow red and white blood cells to enter the stool, while occult blood testing reflects minor mucosal bleeding. Red blood cells and white blood cells may be seen in the stool, along with a positive occult blood test; some patients may also show mucus.
5. Hepatobiliary Diseases
Hepatobiliary diseases such as jaundice or gallstones may cause abnormal bilirubin metabolism, resulting in lighter-colored stools or elevated bilirubin levels. Changes in stool color can be used to indirectly assess the presence of hepatobiliary disease.
However, note that routine stool examination serves only as an initial screening and assessment method. A definitive diagnosis must be made by integrating clinical symptoms, physical signs, and results from other diagnostic tests. When relevant symptoms arise, timely medical consultation is necessary, and further investigations and treatments should be conducted as directed by a physician.
