Gut Microbiota and Autism

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Introduction


By Bailey Fitzgerald

3000 words

The human gut microbiome plays a larger role in human health than simply digestion. Gut microbiota have the ability to bidirectionally communicate with the central nervous system and influence both emotional and cognitive centers of the brain.[1] This makes maintenance of the gut microbiome especially important in people with a variety of neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction, repetitive patterns of behavior or activities, and restricted interests.[2] In addition, gastrointestinal (GI) issues are a very common comorbidity in ASD patients.[3] Although the cause of the abnormal gut microbiome is not certain, researchers hypothesize that it could be due to atypical eating habits.[4] Thus, therapies targeting the gut microbiome could have potential in treating and managing autism spectrum disorders.

Section 1

This illustration depicts a three-dimensional (3D), computer-generated image, of a group of Gram-positive, Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus) bacteria. The photo credit for this image belongs to Alissa Eckert, who is a medical illustrator at the CDC.

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Section 2

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Section 3

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Section 4

Conclusion

References

  1. ↑ Carabotti M, Scirocco A, Maselli MA, Severi C. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015;28(2):203–9.
  2. ↑ American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
  3. ↑ Li Q, Han Y, Dy ABC, Hagerman RJ. The Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2021 Mar 17];11. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2017.00120/full?fbclid=IwAR04gQH8jD4LVLXEJnl7MfXsCyDR7USEauiGGIc1BXJY48GTn2L5GQg-Hk0
  4. ↑ Mulle JG, Sharp WG, Cubells JF. The Gut Microbiome: A New Frontier in Autism Research. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2013 Feb 1;15(2):1–9.



Authored for BIOL 238 Microbiology, taught by Joan Slonczewski, 2021, Kenyon College.

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