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Intestinal Dysbiosis and Yeast Isolation in Stool of Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Maria Rosaria Iovene, Francesca Bombace, Patrizia Iardino, Annarita Picardi, Chiara Schiraldi & Dario Siniscalco

  2. Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Roberta Maresca

  3. Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine Magrassi-Lanzara, SUN-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Anna Sapone, Nicola Serra & Laura de Magistris

  4. Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy

    Rosa Marotta

  5. Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy

    Carmela Bravaccio

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  1. Maria Rosaria Iovene
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Correspondence to Laura de Magistris.

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Iovene, M.R., Bombace, F., Maresca, R. et al. Intestinal Dysbiosis and Yeast Isolation in Stool of Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Mycopathologia 182, 349–363 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-016-0068-6

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