The Role of Oral Microbiota and Mycobiota in the Development of Inflammatory Processes in Patients with Autism

The article addresses the relevant issue of the role of the oral microbiota and mycobiota in the development of inflammatory processes in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The study aims to determine the significance of oral microbial and fungal communities in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions in patients with ASDs.
The analysis of current scientific sources demonstrated that the oral microbiota in children with ASDs is characterized by structural and functional alterations associated with the maintenance of inflammatory processes. The most significant changes were identified in saliva and dental plaque and included reduced bacterial diversity, shifts in the taxonomic profile, an increased proportion of opportunistic microorganisms, and a decreased abundance of commensal taxa. Culture-based studies revealed that the level of Streptococcus mutans above 10⁵ colony-forming units (CFU) was detected in 54.5% of children with ASDs compared with 43.1% in the control group, while Lactobacillus spp. above 10⁵ CFU was found in 47.7% and 49.0%, respectively. A reduction in local mucosal immunity indicators, particularly salivary IgA, was also observed, suggesting weakened protective mechanisms in the oral cavity.
At the same time, data on the oral mycobiota, especially Candida species, remain limited and insufficiently represented in quantitative studies. The findings indicate that dysbiotic changes in the oral microbiota and mycobiota may contribute to inflammatory processes in patients with autism and represent a promising direction for further research.