The Effect of Antibiotic-Altered Maternal Gut Microbiome Composition on Autism Spectrum Disorder Related Behaviours in Offspring

Authors

  • Safiye Kuyga West Carleton Secondary School, Ottawa, ON, Canada
  • Asmaa Nummer West Carleton Secondary School, Ottawa, ON, Canada
  • Yasmine Alami Chentoufi West Carleton Secondary School, Ottawa, ON, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18192/osurj.v5i2.7936

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition that is caused by a multitude of factors, many of which are not predictable or trackable (1) Compared to neurotypical individuals, those with ASD have gut dysbiosis affecting the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and brain, or the gut-microbiota-brain axis (2). Specifically, people with ASD typically have a decreased concentration of certain bacteria like gram positive Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Firmicutes (2,3). Based on this trend, it is plausible that variations in microbiome compositions can have a direct impact on the development of ASD (4). Additionally, current research concludes that mothers with gut microbiomes exhibiting similar microbial imbalances more commonly have children with ASD (5). However, this does not prove the direct causation between the presence of certain gut bacteria in mothers and their ability to affect fetal neurological development in their offspring. The aim of the following research is to understand how the disruption of the maternal gut microbiome through vancomycin antibiotic exposure increases dysbiosis and influences neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Although there are many factors that affect gut microbiome composition such as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors, vancomycin antibiotic intake allows for a controlled change to the gut microbiome as it specifically reduces the presence of gram-positive bacteria. In this study, C57BL/6J mice will be used where half the mice will be administered vancomycin, while the other half will be mock treated with a placebo, serving as a control group (6) Tests will then be performed to assess repetitive behaviours, sociability and cognitive function. Overall, this research will help clarify the development and heritability of ASD, as well as contribute to improved detection and prevention of the disorder.

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Published

2026-06-17

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Ottawa Science Innovation Challenge Abstracts

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