Oral microbiome may reveal increased likelihood of autism

The oral microbiomes of young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) differ significantly from those of neurotypical children, according to a study by researchers in Hong Kong—a finding that they say could eventually lead to a quick and noninvasive test for ASD.

Jacqueline Wai-yan Tang and colleagues analyzed oral bacterial samples collected from 25 children with ASD and 30 neurotypical children. All of the children were between three and six years of age.

The researchers report, “The results showed lower bacterial diversity in children with ASD compared to controls, with distinct microbial compositions in the ASD and TD groups.” In particular, 11 specific bacterial species appeared to differentiate the two groups from each other. The researchers found that by examining the overall composition of oral bacteria, as well as these 11 bacterial species, they could identify children with ASD with 81% accuracy.

The researchers conclude, “Our results underscore the potential clinical relevance of using oral microbiome analysis for the early detection of ASD.” If their findings are confirmed by larger studies, they say, it could eventually be possible for dentists to use a simple oral swab test to identify children at elevated likelihood for autism.

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Citations

“Alterations of oral microbiota in young children with autism: Unraveling potential biomarkers for early detection,” Jacqueline Wai-yan Tang, Charles Cheuk-fung Hau, Wai-man Tong, Rory Munro Watt, Cynthia Kar Yung Yiu, and Kathy Kar-man Shum, Journal of Dentistry, January 2025 (online). Address: Jacqueline Wai-yan Tang, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China, [email protected].

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“Cross-disciplinary research reveals oral microbiota as promising screen for autism spectrum disorder,” news release