Virus in newborns linked to autism risk, study finds

A common virus in newborns may significantly increase their risk of developing autism, according to a new study.

As Daily Mail reports, researchers analyzing medical records of nearly 3 million infants found that those born with cytomegalovirus (CMV) were two-and-a-half times more likely to be diagnosed with autism compared to children without CMV.

CMV, a seemingly harmless virus that causes cold-like symptoms, affects about one in every 200 babies and is the most common congenital infection in the U.S. Despite its prevalence, doctors do not routinely screen for CMV, which can be transmitted from pregnant women to their fetuses. Dr. Megan Pesch, the study's lead author and a pediatrician at the University of Michigan, suggested that CMV might cause brain inflammation in fetuses, potentially leading to autism.

Dr. Pesch, who shared that her own daughter was born with CMV and later diagnosed with autism, emphasized the need for greater awareness and screening for the virus. “Screening during pregnancy could become more common in the U.S., as it is in other countries, allowing us to better understand and support families affected by congenital CMV,” she said.

Previous research has indicated that babies born with CMV are also at higher risk for hearing loss and developmental delays. Autism, a condition affecting approximately 2.8% of American children, manifests in a variety of behaviors that impact social interaction, communication, and learning. Its exact causes remain unknown, though genetics, injuries, and environmental factors are believed to contribute.

CMV often goes unnoticed, as many infected infants exhibit no symptoms. Dr. Pesch noted that up to 90% of CMV cases at birth might go undiagnosed. The virus is typically contracted through contact with infected saliva, making it particularly common among toddlers. Pregnant women are advised to wash their hands frequently to avoid infection.

If a mother contracts CMV during pregnancy, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, potentially causing brain inflammation that disrupts development and increases the risk of autism. Treatment options for CMV are limited in the U.S. and are usually reserved for those with weakened immune systems or newborns, rather than pregnant women.

Symptoms of CMV infection in children often resemble those of a cold, such as swollen lymph nodes and a sore throat. In about 20% of cases, congenital CMV can lead to serious health issues, including epilepsy, hearing loss, or cerebral palsy.

Dr. Pesch's study, published in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that baby girls with CMV were over four-and-a-half times more likely to develop autism, while boys with CMV were twice as likely. Overall, the risk of autism for children with CMV was two-and-a-half times higher than for those without the virus.

In some countries, antiviral treatments are administered during pregnancy to combat CMV, and Dr. Pesch advocates for earlier screening in the U.S. as well. Standard screening at birth, already practiced in states like Connecticut, Florida, and Kentucky, could alert parents to their child's heightened risk for autism and other issues.

Canada has implemented pre-birth CMV screenings, and Dr. Pesch hopes the U.S. will follow suit. “Early support can be invaluable for children with autism,” she said. “It's not about changing or curing them, but helping them develop language and navigate the world.”

[Information sourced from Daily Mail]