CUHK identifies gut microbiome markers for autism spectrum disorder

Researchers discovered alterations in gut microbes across archaea, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

A study by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has identified key changes in the gut microbiome of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

Analysing 1,627 children, researchers discovered alterations in gut microbes across archaea, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They developed a diagnostic panel with 31 markers that shows high accuracy for identifying ASD.

Published in Nature Microbiology, the study also found that modifying the gut microbiome could help alleviate anxiety symptoms in children with ASD.

ASD, a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication and behavior, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. 

Emerging research suggested the gut-brain axis may play a role in its development. In Hong Kong, approximately 2.54% of children are affected by ASD, with rates rising in recent years.

The research involved metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples and clinical data from children aged 1 to 13, collected between 2021 and 2023. 

“We found that the 31-microbiome panel has a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 93% for the diagnosis of ASD, and maintained a sensitivity of 91% in children from an independent hospital cohort and a younger community cohort from one to six years old,” said Dr. Su Qi, research assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CU Medicine.

“This, to our knowledge, is the first study to demonstrate the robustness and utility of a non-invasive biomarker to diagnose and predict ASD across different ages, gender and settings,” added Professor Siew Ng, croucher professor in Medical Sciences at CU Medicine, Director of the Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), and New Cornerstone Investigator