Biofilms – A Potential Issue for Unresolved Yeast and Bacterial Problems in Children with Autism-Spectrum Disorders

The Biofilm Protocol is a therapy that can be employed in those individuals where conventional anti-bacterial or anti-yeast treatments have not resolved the issue. Listed here are a few things to consider with the use of this protocol:

Lack of stool culture findings for yeast and/or bacteria – but, individual seems to improve when placed on antibiotics or antifungal medication.

Adverse behavior in autism-spectrum disorders such as aggression, agitation, head-banging and others that is thought to be gut related, but no direct evidence of digestive pathogens.

Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), perseverative and/or repetitive behaviors – who tend to get worse in the spring and/or fall, yet do not test positive for strep infections.

Persistent and unresolved yeast and/or bacteria as evidenced on Organic Acid Test from Great Plains Laboratory (such as arabinose for yeast or HPHPA for clostridia bacteria.

Biofllms are a polysaccharide-type matrix (think of a large gelatinous glob) secreted by opportunistic bacteria and yeast. These pathogens secrete these biofilms as a defense mechanism to prevent immune detection which allows them to survive in an otherwise hostile environment. Unfortunately, with expansion of abnormal bacteria and yeast biofilms, the normal flora in the digestive system are reduced in number and overtime the digestive system becomes more and more stressed with increasing numbers of bad bacteria and yeast. In many situations these bacteria and yeast secrete toxins which adversely affect health. An example of biofilms is dental cavities. Bacteria in the mouth can produce biofilms which lead to cavity formation. A brand of mouthwash is now available called Biotene (found in most drug stores) which is specifically designed to help breakdown biofilms in the mouth.

The biofilms are held together by a combination of negatively charged minerals (aka. ions) such as calcium, magnesium and iron. In fact, iron seems to play a role in how many different types of pathogenic bacteria evade the immune system. The negative ions in biofilms are vulnerable to a certain chelator called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). The EDTA binds these ions which makes the biofilm less stable. The addition of specific enzymes helps to breakdown the polysaccharide matrix, and the combination of the two – enzyme plus EDTA – makes the bacteria and yeast encased in the biofilm sludge exposed and vulnerable to attack. This not only allows the immune system access to the hiding pathogens, but antibiotics, anti-fungals or natural remedies such as herbs are now able to adversely affect the colonies of hiding bacteria and yeast.

The Biofilm Protocol has been set forth by Anju Usman, M.D. from Illinois. Dr. Usman is a long-standing member of the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) organization and an experienced biomedical autism treatment specialist. Her Biofilm Protocol (as mentioned by her from previous writings and lectures) is a work in progress, with each person needing to be treated individually.

The Biofilm Protocol (aka. program) consists of three stages: 1.) Breakdown and Detachment of the Biofilm using specific enzymes 2.) EDTA, Attacking of the microbes, and 3.) Cleaning-up phase.

The Biofilm Protocol, as well as additional biomedical protocols (from Heavy Metal Detoxification to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) as well as video lectures, daily access to Dr. Woeller through an interactive parent forum and twice weekly video chats and much more can be obtained from Autism Action Plan This membership site is a great way to empower your ability to help your child.