The relationship between congenital infections and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review (SR) is to evaluate the relationship between congenital infections (Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus, Rubella, Herpes simplex type 1 and 2, HIV, Zika, and Syphilis) and the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). DATA SOURCE: The authors seek to identify loopholes in the current knowledge about this content and to understand the role of congenital infections in children's neurodevelopment. After the systematic search, 32 articles were included. Quality of articles was evaluated by the e Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). FINDINGS: The data obtained were heterogeneous; the NOS varied from 4 to 9. In 19 studies, an association between congenital infection and the development of ASD and/or features of this spectrum was not observed. Furthermore, the present findings indicate that the link between congenital infections and ASD varies depending on the pathogen and there is no common causal factor among the diseases, as their mechanisms are not yet fully understood. CONCLUSION: This review highlights that there is a possible correlation between some congenital infections and the development of ASD, as is the case with CMV, Zika, Rubella and Toxoplasmosis infection. As the mechanisms are not yet fully understood, there is a need for further studies and research on this topic to bridge the existing knowledge gap regarding its mechanisms.