Gut microbiota diversity and composition in children with autism spectrum disorder: associations with symptom severity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder impairing social and communication skills. Gut microbiota has become key in understanding ASD pathophysiology. However, the relationship between the ASD symptoms and alternation of gut microbiota still remains unknow. We hypothesize that the composition of gut microbiota in children with ASD may be strongly associated with the severity of their symptoms.

Methods

Here, fecal samples from children (divided in to three groups: neurotypical, severe ASD and mild ASD) at a hospital were collected. The symptoms of ASD were assessed by an experienced pediatric neurologist, and the severity of the symptoms in children with ASD was determined based on the assessment scores. Then the diversity and comp

SUBMITTER: Zeng Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12147763 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature