title: Intestinal Dysbiosis and Yeast Isolation in Stool of Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
abstract: High frequency of gastrointestinal yeast presence in ASD subjects was shown through a simple cultural approach (Candida spp. in 57.5 % of ASDs and no controls); the identification of aggressive form (pseudo-hyphae presenting) of Candida spp. at light microscope means that adhesion to intestinal mucosa is facilitated. Dysbiosis appears sustained by lowered Lactobacillus spp. and decreased number of Clostridium spp. Absence of C. difficilis and its toxins in both ASDs and controls is also shown. Low-mild gut inflammation and augmented intestinal permeability were demonstrated together with the presence of GI symptoms. Significant linear correlation was found between disease severity (CARs score) and calprotectin and Clostridium spp. presence. Also GI symptoms, such as constipation and alternating bowel, did correlate (multivariate analyses) with the increased permeability to lactulose. The present data provide rationale basis to a possible specific therapeutic intervention in restoring gut homeostasis in ASDs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Rosaria
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Iovene
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bombace
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maresca
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine Magrassi-Lanzara, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sapone
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Iardino
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Annarita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Picardi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marotta
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schiraldi
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Siniscalco
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine Magrassi-Lanzara, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Serra
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine Magrassi-Lanzara, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. laura.demagistris@unina2.it.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0627-9017
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: de Magistris
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmela
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bravaccio
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003013:Clostridium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D064806:Dysbiosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D008853:Microscopy; D015003:Yeasts / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification*
keywords: Autism; Candida; Gastrointestinal dysbiosis; Intestinal permeability; Microbiota