5-Year-Old Boy with Regressive Autism at 18 months
Organic Acids Test showing elevated fungal and bacterial compounds - Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) - part 3
The short history of this child was neurotypical development up to approximately 18 months when there was concern he was not talking. Later reconsideration of his early development showed lack of babbling at 9 to 10 months of age, and poor social interaction occurring around the time of his first birthday. He received an official autism diagnosis at 2.5 years.
Individuals with autism (and other special needs conditions, e.g., pervasive development delay) often suffer from chronic gastrointestinal candidiasis, clostridia bacterial infections, and colonization of environmental mold such as aspergillus spp.
The two images below are from the Mosaic Diagnostics Laboratory Organic Acids Test (OAT). The first image is “Yeast and Fungal Markers” linked to candida (arabinose elevated at 252), aspergillus mold (5-hydroxymethyl-2-furoic acid elevated at 620, and Furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid elevated at 328). The Furancarbonylglycine is also high at 11, but this compound is not as common to occur compared to markers #2 and #4.
The arabinose is from increased growth of intestinal candida causing invasive activity along the digestive system surface. The aspergillus mold markers (#2, #4, and #5) are indicators of colonization activity of this mold acquired most likely from environmental contamination. It is possible to acquire aspergillus through mold contaminated food, but at these levels is more likely occurring from water-damaged building material allowing for mold growth. Moldy soil in damp and humid environments can lead to aspergillus exposure, or mold contaminated water or cooking systems such as air conditioners. In this case, an air conditioning fan and unit was found to contain high levels of mold contamination expressing mold spores.
Image 1 - markers #2, #4, and #5 are linked to mold colonization within the digestive system from aspergillus spp. The arabinose is associated with gastrointestinal candida.
This child’s OAT shows a high value for HPHPA linked to various clostridia bacteria (image 2). Much of the digestive system microbiome consists of various clostridia bacteria, and most are not pathogenic. However, some clostridia species are pathogenic such as Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium sporogenes. HPHPA is a problematic compound known to interfere with dopamine metabolism which can cause or contribute to behavioral problems common in autism such as agitation, easy to anger and emotional outbursts, aggression, and self-injury. Fortunately, for this child these behaviors where not a concern. Instead, he struggles with lack of interest in learning, easy distraction, fixation on inanimate objects, and picking eating all of which can be associated with fungal toxins, as well as bacterial compounds.
Image 2 - elevated HPHPA is linked to infections from various clostridia bacteria, including C. sporogenes, C. botulinum, and others.
The complexity of this case lies in the multiple factors that have contributed to his regression which include suspected adverse vaccine reactions, chronic digestive problems, adverse food reactions, and overgrowth of bacteria and fungal compounds.
The initial therapeutic approach for this case was as follows:
Biocidin-LSF - two pumps three times daily mixed in water or diluted juice
Oreganol - one softgel three times daily
Pure Lean Fiber - one scoop daily mixed in water or diluted juice for fiber support
G.I. InnerCalm - 1/2 packet daily mixed in water or diluted juice
A repeat Microbial Organic Acids Test (mOAT) from Mosaic Diagnostics Laboratory was to be done at 6 weeks to assess the clostridia (HPHPA) marker. Both the Biocidin-LSF and Oreganol are to support against fungal overgrowth and clostridia bacteria. The Oreganol with its carvacrol component can help with spore eradication from clostridia bacteria.
The Pure Lean Fiber and G.I. InnerCalm are to assist digestive function and improve elimination and reduce mucosal inflammation secondary to the overgrowth of the fungal and bacterial organisms.
Based on follow-up mOAT assessment, the use of Sporanox (Itraconazole) is on hold until it can be determined the child’s early tolerance and benefit to the initial remedies. The mOAT results are pending.
The sources for these products can be obtained from New Beginnings Nutritionals (https://nbnus.com):
Biocidin-LSF - https://www.nbnus.net/products/584-biocidin-broad-spectrum-lsf-50-ml/
Oreganol P73 - https://www.nbnus.net/products/278-oreganol-p73-60-softgels/
Pure Lean Fiber - https://www.nbnus.net/products/718-purelean-fiber-122-oz/
G.I. InnerCalm - https://www.nbnus.net/products/806-gi-innercalm-30-packets/
Disclaimer:
The supplements and dosages listed in this article are not treatment recommendations for all cases of candida, mold exposure, and clostridia overgrowth seen in autism. This information is for educational purposes only and listed here as an example of use for this particular individual. Each person is different in how they respond to supplement and medication intervention. No part of this article should be taken as medical advice and treatment recommendation for yourself or your child. Always consult with your personal health professional before implementing supplement and medication interventions.