Probiotic therapies for autism

Abstract

Provided is a method and a composition for improving behavioral performance in an individual comprising identifying an individual in need of treatment, and providing such an individual a composition comprising bacteria within the genus Bacteroides.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A composition for reducing one or more behavioral abnormalities in an individual, comprising a single  Bacteroides  bacteria species, wherein the individual suffers from a neurodevelopmental disability. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more behavioral abnormalities comprise stereotyped behaviors, repetitive behaviors, compulsive behaviors, deficits in social interaction, deficits in communication, or anxiety behaviors. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the neurodevelopmental disability is anxiety, autism, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a mental condition with some of the symptoms of ASD, Fragile X, Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, or schizophrenia. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the neurodevelopmental disability is autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the single  Bacteroides  bacteria species is  B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron,  or  B. vulgatus.    
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the individual displays leaky gut. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 17 , wherein the composition is further for use in reducing the level of leaky gut in the individual. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein reducing one or more behavioral abnormalities comprises reducing anxiety level. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein reducing one or more behavioral abnormalities comprises reducing repetitive behavior. 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein reducing one or more behavioral abnormalities in the individual is determined by standard behavioral testing. 
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the composition is a probiotic composition. 
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the composition is a neutraceutical composition. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 24 , wherein the composition is in the form of a capsule or a pill.