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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Research

The assessment of microbial infection in children with autism spectrum disorders and genetic folate cycle deficiency

Authors: Dmitry Maltsev, Iryna Solonko, Olena Sydorenko

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

The results of disparate clinical studies indicate abnormally frequent cases of certain microorganisms in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, these data require clarification and systematization. The study aims to study the structure of the microbial profile in children with ASD and genetic folate cycle deficiency (GFCD) and consider differences in diagnostic approaches for identifying microorganisms of different types.

Methods

The study analyzed medical data from 240 children (187 boys and 63 girls) with GFCD aged 2 to 9 years. The children had clinical manifestations of ASD (the study group, SG). The control group (CG) included 53 clinically healthy children (37 boys and 16 girls) of the same age but without GFCD. Both groups of children were tested on active herpetic infections (HSV-1/2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8), ТТV, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans, Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Yersinia enterocolitica, Toxoplasma gondii, congenital CMV neuroinfection and postnatal HSV-1/2 encephalitis. The testing used diagnostic methods specified in PubMed-indexed studies.

Results

In the SG, TTV was found in 196 children (82%), HHV-7 – in 172 (72%), HHV-6 – in 162 (68%), EBV – in 153 (64%), Streptococcus pyogenes – in 127 (53%), Candida albicans – in 116 (48%), Borrelia – in 107 (45%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae – in 94 (39%), Chlamydia pneumoniae – in 85 (35%), Yersinia entеrocolitica – in 71 (30%), Toxoplasma gondii – in 54 (23%), congenital CMV neuroinfection – in 26 (11%), and postnatal HSV-1/2 encephalitis – in 11 children (5% of cases) (p < p_0.05; Z < Z_0.05). In the SG, there was a higher microbial load in older children (p < p_0.05; Z < Z_0.05). No gender differences were found.

Conclusions

The study described and characterized a specific abnormal microbial spectrum with a predominance of viral opportunistic agents in children with ASD associated with GFCD.

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Title: The assessment of microbial infection in children with autism spectrum disorders and genetic folate cycle deficiency
Authors: Dmitry Maltsev
Iryna Solonko
Olena Sydorenko
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Streptococci
Encephalitis
Chlamydophila Pneumoniae
Candida Albicans
Candida Balanitis
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-04687-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The assessment of microbial infection in children with autism spectrum disorders and genetic folate cycle deficiency

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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