Comparative gut microbiome profiling in autistic and neurotypical children: Focus on Clostridium perfringens

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition increasingly linked to gut dysbiosis via the gut-brain axis. This study aims to investigate gut microbiome changes, specifically Clostridium perfringens, in 22 Egyptian children (11 ASD, 11 controls; aged 3–9 years) using culture and real-time PCR. Methods: A total of 22 children (11 with ASD and 11 neurotypical controls) aged 3–9 years were enrolled. Stool samples were analyzed for gut microbiota using SYBR Green real-time PCR targeting specific and universal 16S rRNA genes. Clostridium perfringens was isolated anaerobically, biochemically identified with the VITEK 2 system, and tested for antibiotic susceptibility by the Kirby–Bauer method. Results: ASD children showed significant dysbiosis, with higher Clostridium perfringens , a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, lower Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium longum, and isolated C. perfringens antibiotic susceptibility. Conclusion: Findings reveal a distinct microbial signature, suggesting that pathogenic overgrowth and loss of protective microbes may contribute to gastrointestinal and neurobehavioral symptoms, highlighting potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.