Scientists have identified notable variations in the microbial content found in the intestines of individuals with autism contrasted with those devoid of the condition, fuelling expectations of an affordable, straightforward diagnostic method for autism. These findings indicate that a standard faecal test could aid physicians in the prompt recognition of autism, allowing patients to receive their diagnosis and, ideally, begin support more rapidly when compared with the protracted operations currently utilised in clinical environments.
Prof Qi Su from the Chinese University of Hong Kong stated, “Conventionally, it takes between three and four years to confirm a diagnosis for suspected autism, with most children being diagnosed when they are six years old. Our microbial biomarker panel performs at a high level in children under four years old, potentially expediting early diagnosis.”
In recent years, autism rates have spiked dramatically, primarily due to increased understanding of the condition and expanded diagnostic criteria. In the UK and several other Western nations, it is estimated that one in every hundred individuals is now on the autism spectrum.
Twin studies indicate that between 60-90 percent of autism can be attributed to genetics, however other factors play a role including older parents, birth complications, and exposure to environmental pollution or specific pesticides during pregnancy. Autism symptoms can vary widely from children who do not answer to their name or avoid eye contact, to adults who experience difficultly grasping the thoughts of neurotypical people and become anxious when their everyday routine is interrupted.
It has been long established by scientists that individuals with autism typically host less diverse bacteria within their digestive tract. However, the argument persists whether this is a symptom of autism, or if it has a role to play in the development of the condition.
In order to further explore this challenge, Mr Su and his research team studied faecal samples from 1,627 children aged one to 13, including some with autism, cross-examining the samples for the presence of different bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes known as archaea.
In a publication by Nature Microbiology, scientists have outlined the significant difference in gut microbes observed between children with autism and those without. It was identified that there were changes in 51 kinds of bacteria, 18 viruses, 14 archaea, seven types of fungi, and 12 metabolic pathways in kids with autism. Machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence, helped experts distinguish autistic children with a precision of up to 82 per cent by considering 31 microbes and biological functions within the digestive system.
The study also showed alterations in metabolic pathways that are fundamental for energy and neurodevelopment in children diagnosed with autism. “Although genetics considerably influence autism, the microbiome could be a secondary determinant impacting immune responses, neurotransmitter production, and metabolic pathways,” conveyed Mr Su. However, he highlighted that this does not necessarily indicate a cause-effect relationship, but it does hint at the microbiome possibly influencing the intensity or manifestation of symptoms of the autism spectrum.
Supposing the researchers’ hypothesis is accurate, and the microbiome disruption does alter the severity of autism, it brings up the possibility of customised treatments that could incorporate diet modifications or probiotics to cultivate a more diverse microbiome for individuals diagnosed with the condition.
Mr Su further stated, “Our comprehensive approach enhances our potential to create more efficacious, non-invasive diagnostic tools and healing tactics for autism.” The team has initiated a clinical trial aiming to discover whether stool sample analysis can help identify autism in infants as young as one year.
Although the findings hold promising potential for diagnostic practices, Dr Dominic Farsi from King’s College London insisted more research is required to substantiate these results.
Meanwhile, Dr Elizabeth Lund, a nutrition and gastrointestinal health consultant, expressed enthusiasm about the concept of potential diagnosis through stool sample analysis. She pointed out the current backlog in assessing children and adults due to the extensive process and a scarcity of trained clinicians.
She further emphasised the need for replication of the study within different communities worldwide. She suggested that this approach could provide a novel, more automated method for diagnosis in the future. Source: The Guardian.