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A microbial association with autism

Jorge L Benach1, Ellen Li, Margaret M McGovern

  • 1Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Medicine and Pediatrics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA. jorge.benach@stonybrook.edu

Mbio
|February 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Researchers found Sutterella bacteria in the ileal tissue of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but not in controls. This suggests a potential role for Sutterella in ASD gastrointestinal issues.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability with frequent gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities.
  • A consensus panel recommended further research into the prevalence and pathophysiology of GI disorders in ASD.
  • Previous studies have not fully elucidated the microbial contribution to GI issues in ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of specific bacterial species in the ileal mucosa of children with ASD and GI symptoms.
  • To determine if any bacterial species are uniquely associated with ASD in the ileal tissue.
  • To explore potential microbial etiologies or consequences of GI comorbidities in ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of ileal mucosal biopsy specimens from children diagnosed with ASD and control children with GI symptoms.
  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify bacterial composition.
  • Quantification of bacterial sequences, specifically Sutterella species.

Main Results:

  • Sutterella species were detected in the ileal mucosal biopsy specimens of children with ASD.
  • Sutterella was notably absent in control children presenting with GI symptoms.
  • Sutterella sequences constituted a significant proportion (1-7%) of the total bacterial load in ASD patients.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a specific association between Sutterella species and the autism phenotype.
  • Sutterella may play a role in the pathophysiology of GI comorbidities observed in ASD.
  • This study opens new avenues for investigating the gut microbiome's impact on ASD.

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