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Gastrointestinal microflora studies in late-onset autism
Sydney M Finegold1, Denise Molitoris, Yuli Song
1Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Los Angeles, CA, USA. sidfinegol@aol.com
Summary
Investigating gut microbiota in regressive autism revealed significant differences. Children with autism showed higher Clostridium counts and distinct bacterial profiles in both upper and lower intestines compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Late-onset (regressive) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be linked to gastrointestinal abnormalities.
- Previous observations suggest potential benefits of poorly absorbed oral vancomycin in some children with regressive autism, hinting at a role for gut flora.
- Understanding the specific microbial alterations in the gut is crucial for elucidating the pathophysiology of regressive autism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the fecal and intestinal flora of children with regressive autism to that of neurotypical control children.
- To identify specific bacterial species or groups that are significantly altered in children with regressive autism.
- To explore potential correlations between gut microbiota composition and the clinical presentation of regressive autism.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from children diagnosed with regressive autism and age-matched neurotypical controls.
- Bacterial cultures and species identification were performed on fecal, gastric, and duodenal specimens.
- Quantitative and qualitative analyses of Clostridium species and other anaerobic/microaerophilic bacteria were conducted.
Main Results:
- Children with regressive autism exhibited significantly higher counts of Clostridium species in their fecal samples compared to controls.
- A greater diversity of Clostridium species was observed in children with autism, including 9 species unique to this group.
- Gastric and duodenal specimens from children with autism showed the presence of non-spore-forming anaerobes and microaerophilic bacteria, which were absent in controls.
Conclusions:
- Significant alterations in both upper and lower intestinal flora are evident in children with late-onset regressive autism.
- The distinct microbial profiles, particularly the increased abundance and diversity of Clostridium species, may play a role in the pathogenesis of regressive autism.
- These findings provide valuable insights into the gut-brain axis in autism and suggest potential targets for therapeutic interventions.