Detection of Sutterella in the Stool of Egyptian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Gastrointestinal problems are commonly reported in children with autism and may correlate with autism severity. A recent study reported that Sutterella species were frequently found in individuals with autism that was not found in controls.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to study the role of Sutterella species in Egyptian children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).

Methods: Thirty children diagnosed with ASDs according to DMS-V criteria aged between 2.5-8 years old together with a cross matching control group of 30 healthy neurotypical children were included in the present study. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed with a modified six-item GI Severity Index (6-GSI) questionnaire. Stool specimens were taken for detection of Sutterella by the Conventional PCR using primers that amplify a 260-bp region spanning the variable regions from V6 to V8 of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results: Sutterella species was detected in 24 cases out of 30 ASD patients (80%), and in 11 (36.7%) out of the control cases. There was no significant correlation between the presence of Sutterella and the severity of ASD or GSI.

Conclusion: These results indicate that Sutterella species may have a role in ASD.