Gut bacteria differences in children with autism linked to symptom severity

The severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) group exhibited a significantly lower Shannon index of 3.82 compared to 4.04 in the mild-to-moderate group (P = 0.047).

• Lower gut microbial diversity was observed in children with severe ASD compared to those with mild-to-moderate ASD.
• Significant differences in gut microbiota composition were identified between the two groups, with the severe ASD group showing a notable increase in Proteobacteria and a decrease in Firmicutes.
• At the family level, Enterobacteriaceae was significantly increased in the severe ASD group, while several other families showed a decrease.
• Klebsiella, a type of bacteria, was 2.8 times more abundant in the severe ASD group, whereas other genera like Faecalibacterium were less abundant.
• Eleven differentially abundant taxa were identified, with most being enriched in the mild-to-moderate ASD group.

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