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THE CHARACTERIZATION OF GUT MICROFLORA AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN CHILDREN AGES 3-9 YEARS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Wall, Jody Lee
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1275488429

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Allied Medical Professions.
Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the United States affecting 1 in every 100 children. Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by core features of impaired or delayed communication, impaired or inappropriate social interactions, and restrictive, repetitive behaviors. Gastrointestinal symptomatology, and even some characteristic autism behaviors have been theorized to be attributed to gastrointestinal microflora. The primary objective of the study was to quantify and compare both beneficial (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) and pathogenic (Clostridium clusters I, XIV, and boltae) bacteria in children aged 3-9 years with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as compared to age and gender-matched controls. Participants were selected based on the strict eligibility criteria prohibiting prior use of antibiotics or probiotics. Molecular characterization of the stool samples included Real-Time PCR assays and unpaired t-tests of ASD stool samples revealed significantly lower amounts of Lactobacilli (p = 0.0059) and higher amounts of C.bolteae (p = 0.0079) than that of their age and gender-matched peers. Pearson correlation coefficients and corresponding p-values were used to identify associations in gastrointestinal symptomatology compared to relative microflora abundance. Children who had lower amounts of Bifidobacterium had significantly more bloating (r=o.73, p=0.011) and flatulence (r= -0.76, p=0.007), and children with higher amounts of Clostridium boltae had significantly more reported episodes of bloating (r=0.64, p=0.034) than children with lower amounts of these bacteria. These results suggest that children with autism may have altered microflora including both beneficial (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli) and pathogenic (Clostridium boltae) bacteria that possibly contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms, specifically bloating and flatulence. Further investigation of the role gut microflora plays in GI symptomatology in ASD is warranted to then develop appropriate treatment modalities.
Maureen Geraghty, Dr (Advisor)
Chris Taylor, Dr (Committee Member)
Alison Lane, Dr (Committee Member)
52 p.
Nutrition
Autism Spectrum Disorder; Microflora; Gastrointestinal

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wall, J. L. (2010). THE CHARACTERIZATION OF GUT MICROFLORA AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN CHILDREN AGES 3-9 YEARS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1275488429

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wall, Jody. THE CHARACTERIZATION OF GUT MICROFLORA AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN CHILDREN AGES 3-9 YEARS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS. 2010. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1275488429.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wall, Jody. "THE CHARACTERIZATION OF GUT MICROFLORA AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN CHILDREN AGES 3-9 YEARS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1275488429

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.