Here it comes, a randomized double-blind clinical trial of the strain on autism!

Preface

In recent years, the relationship between intestinal flora and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has attracted increasing attention. In September 1983, Chinese microbiologist Professor Zhang Jijie first discovered and isolated the probiotic strain Bacteroides fragilis BF839 from healthy infants. In September 2024, a randomized double-blind clinical trial published by a Chinese research team in Frontiers in Nutrition revealed the potential of the probiotic Bacteroides fragilis BF839 in the treatment of autism. This study explored the effects of Bacteroides fragilis on the behavior, social interaction, and intestinal health of children with ASD, and the results were very encouraging.

First, what is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that affects a child's social, communication and behavior, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The causes of ASD are not fully understood, but research suggests that an imbalance in the gut microbiota may play a role.

So, what did the research find?

In this study, scientists treated 60 children aged 2 to 10 with ASD with Bacteroides fragilis BF839 for 16 weeks and compared it with a placebo group. The main findings of the study are as follows:

Ⅰ. Significant improvement in behavior

Children taking BF839 showed significant improvements in behavior, especially in reducing problem behaviors, such as self-injurious behaviors or repetitive movements. These improvements were particularly evident in children under the age of 4. The researchers used the standardized Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS) to measure these changes, and the results showed that the probiotic intervention had a significant positive effect on some common autism behaviors.

Ⅱ. Significant improvement in intestinal flora and health

Children with autism often experience gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Probiotic treatment not only significantly reduced these symptoms, but also increased the beneficial flora in the intestines. It is an exciting finding that improved gut health may indirectly affect children's neurobehavior.

Ⅲ. Good safety

The safety of Bacteroides fragilis BF839 was demonstrated, with few serious side effects reported by children participating in the trial, with only a few reporting symptoms such as mild diarrhea.

The results of the study suggest that probiotic intervention is a safe complementary therapy with no side effects.

This study supports the concept of the "gut-brain axis" - that is, there is a two-way connection between the intestinal flora and brain function. Studies have shown that by regulating the intestinal flora, it is possible to influence the behavioral performance of children with autism. This intervention method based on the intestinal flora has opened up a new path for the treatment of ASD.

Finally, why are these findings so important?

Because the traditional treatment of autism currently relies mainly on behavioral intervention and drug therapy, however, these methods are not always effective, and the drugs may bring certain side effects. The study of Bacteroides fragilis BF839 can provide parents and doctors with a new idea - that is, by improving the intestinal flora, autism symptoms can be safely and effectively alleviated. Although this discovery still needs to be confirmed by more large-scale clinical trials, it undoubtedly brings new hope for the treatment of autism.

Now, let's briefly review what autism or autistic conditions are.

1. Understanding autism: understanding beyond appearances

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder called a "spectrum" because it presents in different degrees and forms, like a rainbow. Individuals are unique and may exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:

A. Social interaction disorder:

Difficulty understanding other people’s emotional expressions

Avoiding eye contact

Inability to use or understand body language

Difficulty making and maintaining friendships

B. Communication barriers:

Delayed or absent language development

Repetitive language use

Difficulty carrying on a conversation

Lack of imaginative play skills

C. Behavioral characteristics:

Repetitive movements (such as rocking and flapping)

Develop a strong interest in a particular thing

Particularly sensitive to environmental changes

May be unusually sensitive or dull to sound, touch, etc.

2. Diagnosis and Challenges of Autism

The diagnosis of autism is often challenging:

①. Difficulty in early identification:

Some symptoms may not become apparent until 2-3 years old

Some symptoms are similar to those of normal development

Parents may delay seeking medical attention for fear of affecting their children

②. Complexity of diagnostic criteria:

Often requires comprehensive assessment from multiple professional fields

Symptoms vary widely from person to person

There is currently a lack of simple biological markers

③. Accompanying issues:

About 70% of children have other mental illnesses

40-80% have sleep problems

Up to 85% have gastrointestinal symptoms

3. Current status and challenges of autism treatment

1. Traditional treatment methods

Current treatments for autism mainly include:

A. Behavioral intervention:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Structured teaching

Early Intensive Intervention

Advantages: Widely recognized for its effectiveness

Limitations: high cost, high intensity, long-term persistence required

B. Speech therapy:

Language comprehension training

Communication skills training

Alternative communication system training

Advantages: Improved communication skills

Limitations: Slow progress, uncertain effects

C. Occupational Therapy:

Sensory Integration Training

Life skills training

Fine motor training

Advantages: Improve daily living ability

Limitations: Requires professional guidance, high cost

D. Drug treatment:

Risperidone (to treat symptoms such as irritability)

Aripiprazole (to improve repetitive behaviors)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (for anxiety and depression)

Advantages: Rapid control of certain symptoms

Limitations: Many side effects, cannot cure core symptoms

E. Difficulties in actual treatment

① Family level:

Huge economic burden

Large time investment

Family relationship stress

Insufficient social support

②Medical level:

Lack of professional resources

Treatment regimens are difficult to standardize

Efficacy evaluation is complex

Individualized treatment is difficult

③Individual level:

Adherence issues

The frustration of slow progress

Multiple symptoms interact with each other

New problems emerge during adolescence

F. Other treatments:

Adherence to behavioral intervention

Keep rehab

Regular review and evaluation

Home care tips

G.Dietary management:

Balanced nutrition

Avoid allergens

Adequate dietary fiber

4. Final

The treatment of autism is a long and complex process that requires the joint efforts of families, medical institutions and society. The research results of Bacteroides fragilis BF839 have brought us new hope. Although this may not be a panacea for "curing" autism, it represents an important progress made by the medical community in exploring safer and more effective treatments.

For families with children with autism, every small improvement can be a huge victory. Through the study of probiotics and the gut-brain axis, scientists are also providing new ideas for the treatment of autism. With the deepening of scientific research and the continuous innovation of treatment methods, we have reason to believe that the future of treatment will become brighter and brighter.

Professional term explanation

To help readers better understand the content of the article, some terminology explanations are attached:

Probiotics: Live beneficial bacteria that improve the health of the host.

Double-blind trial: A research method in which neither the researcher nor the subjects know who is getting the experimental drug.

Bacteroides fragilis: A special type of probiotic bacteria that lives in the human intestine.

The gut-brain axis: a two-way communication system connecting the gut and the brain.

Neurotransmitters: Chemical substances that carry messages between nerve cells.

References

1. Efficacy and safety of Bacteroides fragilis BF839 in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders in children: a randomized clinical trial
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1447059

2. World Health Organization Autism Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines

3. American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Management Recommendations

4. China Autism Rehabilitation Guidelines