Autism is an epidemic brain disorder that affects an estimated
two to five out of every 1,000 children. Usually seen as children
become toddlers, telltale symptoms include difficulty with social
interaction and repetitive behaviors. While no one knows exactly
what causes autism -- though some studies have linked its occurrence
with childhood vaccines -- determining autism with a blood test
may be a possibility.
Researchers from the University of California, Davis, reported
children with autism show different immune system responses from
children without the disorder, and these might be measured in blood
for a potential screening test.
A pair of studies helped support other research that has suggested
subtle differences in the immune function of children with autism.
The Studies
One study compared blood samples from 56 children (ages 2-5) --
of which more than half suffered from autism -- mixed with toxins
and bacteria:
Researchers discovered autistic patients had lower cytokine
(immune signaling protein) levels and irregular responses to a
plant protein that non-autistic patients didn't have.
The second study compared blood samples from 70 autistic children
(ages 4-6) with those of 35 other children:
Autistic kids had 20 percent more B (immune system) cells
and 40 percent more natural killer cells in addition to other
differences in proteins found in their blood.
The studies' results indicated the possibility that differences
detected in blood samples could be predictive of autism -- though
researchers admit a blood test that determines autism will be difficult,
and take a long time, to develop.
However, studying the biological signs of autism could result in
new preventative methods for the disorder. So even if autism cannot
be prevented, intervening early in life could significantly improve
the lifetime outlook for children who have it, researchers explained.
Timesonline.co.uk
May 5, 2005
MSNBC
May 5, 2005
