The Gut-Brain Connection: Investigating the Correlation between Autism Disorder and Gut Bacterium
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmsi.v4i1.3818Keywords:
Autism, Gut-Brain Axis, Gut Microbiome, Microbiota, NeurodevelopmentAbstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a type of developmental disability which results in social and communication difficulties besides exhibiting stereotyped or repetitive use of objects and bodies. ASD is becoming increasingly prevalent as a significant public health issue, impacting 1 in 100 children globally and showing an apparent increase in cases internationally. Up to 80% of children with ASD experience gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, indicating a potential connection between gut microbiota and the development of ASD. This study aims to define the link between gut dysbiosis and ASD and look into the effectiveness of the therapies which use the microbiota, including probiotics, prebiotics, and MTT. A literature review was carried out to identify literature published on Scopus, MEDLINE, and PubMed that focused on paediatric population, and the types of interventions included dietary changes and FMT. Growing evidence for the changed gut microbiota of children with ASD reveals the higher level of Clostridium and the lower level of Bifidobacterium population. Supplements of other types of microbes such as probiotics had mixed outcomes in impacting ASD behaviours but positively impacted the gastrointestinal manifestations. The research identifies changes in the gut bacterial makeup of children with ASD, showing increased levels of Clostridium and Sutterella, which play a significant role in gastrointestinal and behavioral issues. Therapies aimed at the microbiota, such as probiotics and dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) demonstrated the ability to enhance symptoms associated with GI issues and ASD.
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