The gut microbiome in PANS kids is different

Research on PANS/PANDAS and the gut microbiome is in its infancy.

But according to one 2018 study, the structure of the gut microbiome in PANS/PANDAS patients is different to those without this diagnosis.

Two groups were analysed – children 4-8 years old and older than 9 years.

The gut microbiome in the younger PANS/PANDAS group showed a strong increase in Bacteroidetes, in particular specific species. They were identified as potential microbial biomarkers of this condition.

In addition, this group showed a different antibody response to inflammation within the gut as well less pathways involved in brain function.

The older group of patients had a less uniform gut bacteria profile, making it more difficult to establish biomarkers or a pattern.

The study also suggested that streptococcal infections, which may or may not be a trigger of PANS/PANDAS…

“…alter gut bacterial communities leading to a pro-inflammatory status through the selection of specific bacterial strains associated with gut inflammation and immune response activation. These findings highlight the possibility of studying bacterial biomarkers associated with this disorder and might lead to novel potential therapeutic strategies.” https://buff.ly/3OYeRHT

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