Gut Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with stereotyped behavior and deficits in communication and social interaction. There is increasing evidence of the implication of gut microbiota in ASD. We conducted a systematic review to summarize previously published data to compare the profile of gut microbiota between autistic and neurotypical subjects. The outcomes of interventions such as prebiotics, probiotics, and microbiota transplantation therapy to overcome the symptomatology of ASD were also discussed. The current review allows us to associate gut microbiota dysbiosis and ASD. To date, there is still little consensus on which bacterial species are consistently altered in individuals with autism. Further studies are required to obtain stronger evidence of the relationship between gut microbiota and the severity of ASD conjointly with the effectiveness of dietary/probiotic interventions in reducing autistic behaviors compared to their healthy siblings.