The role of gut microbes in autism: A meta-analysis of dysbiosis and functional implications

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. While the exact etiology of ASD remains unclear, emerging research highlights the role of gut microbiota in its development and symptomatology. This meta-analysis synthesizes current evidence on gut microbiome dysbiosis in individuals with ASD, focusing on microbial diversity alterations, functional implications, and potential therapeutic interventions. Studies indicate that ASD is associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota, including decreased levels of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Prevotella and an increased abundance of potentially pathogenic species like Clostridium. Dysbiosis may contribute to ASD pathophysiology through immune system dysregulation, altered neurotransmitter production, and gut-brain axis disruptions. Furthermore, gut-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), have been implicated in modulating neurodevelopment and behavior. Given these findings, microbiome-targeted therapies, including dietary interventions, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), have been explored for their potential to restore microbial balance and alleviate ASD-related symptoms. However, variability in study designs, methodological inconsistencies, and the heterogeneity of ASD populations present significant challenges in establishing definitive causal links and therapeutic strategies. This review underscores the need for standardized research methodologies, large-scale longitudinal studies, and multi-omics approaches to enhance the understanding of gut microbiota’s role in ASD. Future research should focus on personalized interventions tailored to individual microbiome profiles, potentially offering novel therapeutic avenues for ASD management.