Dysbiosis in Gut Microbiota in Children Born Preterm Who Developed Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Gut microbiota composition differs between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children.
• Dysbiosis is common in preterm infants, suggesting potential gut microbiome alterations in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the gut microbiota characteristics in children born preterm with ASD.
• To compare the gut microbial profiles of preterm-born children with ASD to those of preterm-born TD children.

Main Methods:

• 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on stool samples.
• Analysis included alpha and beta diversity metrics.
• Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was used to identify differential taxa.

Main Results:

• Alpha diversity was significantly greater in the ASD group compared to the TD group.
• Beta diversity analysis revealed distinct clustering between the groups.
• The Firmicutes phylum was significantly more abundant in preterm-born children with ASD than in TD controls.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota composition in preterm-born children differs between those with ASD and TD individuals.
• These findings highlight potential microbial differences associated with ASD in the vulnerable preterm-born population.