Four viruses linked to autism: an ever stronger bond
The development of autism in children seems to be related to the common herpes virus, during pregnancy
A recent study has revealed a significant correlation between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. This discovery sheds new light on the complex relationship between viral infections and autism spectrum disorders.
What is CMV?
CMV, a common herpes virus, is known to cause a range of health problems in infants, including deafness and intellectual disability. Now, it also seems to increase the risk of autism. According to Dr Megan Pesch, author of the study, “CMV is such a brutal virus. In the womb, it actually attacks and invades the placenta, and can alter fetal brain development”.
CMV is not the only threat
But CMV is not the only virus linked to autism. Rubella, Zika virus and genital herpes have all been associated with an increased risk of developing this disorder. In all these cases, the mechanism seems to be similar: the virus infects the developing fetus, directly damaging brain cells or triggering an inflammatory response that alters brain development.
How viruses affect the brain
Viruses can affect brain development in several ways:
- Direct damage: Some viruses, such as CMV, can directly infect brain cells, causing death or impaired functioning
- Inflammation: Viral infections can trigger an inflammatory response that damages brain cells and alters the development of neural connections
- Altered microbiome: The intestinal microbiome, an ecosystem of bacteria that lives in our intestines, plays an important role in brain development. Viral infections can alter the gut microbiome, thus affecting brain development
- Autoantibody production: Some viruses can stimulate the immune system to produce autoantibodies, which attack the body’s own tissues, including the brain
Public health implications
These findings have important implications for public health. First, they stress the importance of preventing viral infections during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases, such as influenza and rubella, and take appropriate hygiene measures to prevent CMV infection. Secondly, these studies open up new perspectives for the early diagnosis and treatment of autism. By identifying viral risk factors, new therapeutic interventions may be possible.