Children with autism spectrum disorder: Pilot studies examining the salivary microbiome and implications for gut metabolism and social behavior

摘要

IntroductionAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders defined by core deficits, including impaired communication, reciprocal social interaction, and stereotyped and repetitive patterns of behaviors. The salivary microbiota may serve as important indicators of oral and systemic health. In this pilot study, we identify components of the salivary microbiome in children with ASD.MethodsSaliva specimens were collected from 11 children with ASD (mean age: 10.68?years) and from 10 typically-developing individuals. Microbial DNA was extracted and utilized as templates for PCR amplification with V3-V4 16S rDNA-specific primers and high-throughput MiSeq sequencing. Taxonomic operational unit analyses and salivary microbiota profiles were conducted by LC Sciences (Houston TX); individual microbial species were further compared between children with ASD and typically-developing individuals.ResultsRothiaspecies were found to be statistically more prevalent in children with ASD in comparison to typically-developing children (12.2-fold change; FDR p-value?=?0.031). Alternately,Megasphaera,Moraxella,Neisseria, andGemellaspecies were all found at significantly higher levels in typically-developing children than children with ASD, displaying 39.2-, 31.9-, 18.8- and 14.0-fold differences, respectively (all with FDR p-values?