Impact of Clostridium on Body Composition and Behavioral Changes among Autistic Children

Abstract

Current research has shown that gut microbiota may play a fundamental role in the neurological activity, behavior, mood, cognition and possibly the onset as well as the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies emphasized the possible correlation between Clostridia spp., gut colonization, and possible development or exacerbating of ASD in affected children. The aim of the present study was to investigate how Clostridia gut colonization can have an impact on the neurological outcome and anthropometric values in ASD children. The study included sixty children (30 ASD and 30 controls) of both sexes aged from 3 to 10 years. Children with ASD were diagnosed according to DSM-5, Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), as well as the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Anthropometric parameters were measured, Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine Clostridium presence in the stools of the enrolled subjects