Controlling diarrhea and constipation in autistic children without using antibiotics
Posted By: News-Medical in Medical Research News
Published: Wednesday, 8-Sep-2004
Scientists checking bacteria which live in the intestines of autistic children
may have found a way to control gut problems, such as diarrhea or
constipation, without using antibiotics, according to work presented today at
the Society for General Microbiologyâs 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin.
âWe have found larger amounts of clostridia bacteria in the gut contents of
autistic children compared with healthy children,â says Helena Parracho of the
School of Food Biosciences at the University of Reading. âThese organisms can
contribute to upset gastrointestinal tracts, but also have wider effects, since
some of these bacteriaâs own waste products are toxic and can interfere with
systems throughout our bodies.â
The scientists are testing lactic acid bacteria to look for varieties which
could slow down or stop the growth of the toxic clostridia bacteria. Six of ten
Lactobacillus strains and one of four Bifidobacterium strains tested inhibited
the growth of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile in laboratory
experiments.
âIf we can use friendly bacteria as a first weapon to fight the initial gut
symptoms, in a treatment called lactic acid bacteria therapy, we may be able to
reduce bouts of diarrhea and/or constipation in these children,â says Helena
Parracho. âBy using dietary rather than pharmaceutical interventions we may be
able to stabilise the metabolism of the children, allowing them to receive more
effective treatment for their gastrointestinal problems.â
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