Microbiota transfer (or faecal transplant)
General overview
The microbiota is a diverse, complex and unique set of microorganisms. More and more research is being conducted on it because certain diseases could be linked to changes in its composition. Among the most recurrent disorders related to the microbiota are metabolic and autoimmune diseases and neurological or neuro-psychological problems.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) generally have intestinal microbial dysbiosis (loss of diversity, lack of certain important strains of bacteria). Fecal transplantation has been the subject of several recent and encouraging studies to restore the proper functioning of the microbiota and has reportedly reduced many symptoms and behavioural disorders.
Main objectives of the method
Fecal transplantation therefore aims to improve intestinal health, especially for children with ASD, by rebalancing their intestinal flora.
Studies link certain microbiomes in the gut to neurological health. In addition, symptoms of autism include gastrointestinal problems (pain, discomfort).
Specificities of the method
The treatment is heavy, several steps must be respected:
- Pre-treatment with antibiotics
- Bowel cleansing
- Drug for suppressing gastric acid
- Transplantation (one per day for several weeks): stool from a donor is introduced into the child's digestive tract.
Who is this method for ?
The most promising results of this treatment to date are for children with ASD. In a study conducted in the United States, a 45% reduction in the main symptoms of ASD was observed.
Tests such as Viome can assess the balance or imbalance of the microbiota, allowing us to determine whether such treatment could be beneficial.
What parents say about it
Parents of the children in the study report that they have seen "slow but steady improvement in key symptoms.
According to Prof. Bonnet-Brilhault: "Children must be taken care of in a global way: treating sleep disorders, digestive disorders... If the TMF responds to digestive symptoms, that's already good. If it also improves autistic disorders, that's even better. Because in autism, we don't have any medication. Even if we have functional re-education methods that give good results, this new microbiota hypothesis opens up a new field.
Scientific references
Role of the Gut Microbiome in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
To know more about the topic
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-42183-0
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190409093725.htm
https://francais.medscape.com/voirarticle/3605003#vp_2
Readings on the importance of the microbiota
The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection
Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain for Life
The Autism Revolution: Whole-Body Strategies for Making Life All It Can Be
Any remarks or comments ?
This work is based on a collaborative approach to sharing research and family experience.
If you have any comments, suggestions for modifications or corrections or clarifications to make, please let us know by email at contact@leneurogroupe.org