Offspring born to mothers with a history of active genital herpes during their pregnancy phase are seen to be twice as likely to develop autism-related disorders, a recent study suggests.
Researchers suggest an underlying link between autism and HSV-2 during early pregnancy stages.
Lead author and study coordinator, Milada Mahic based out of Norway, report their findings in the recent study.
What is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is an infection, transmitted sexually that is seen to be caused by HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus 2).
Millions of people across the globe are affected by genital herpes and an average of 20 percent of the cases are seen to occur among individuals with a history of prior autism diagnosis.
Women are likelier to contract genital herpes than their male counterparts, with more than 20 percent of the women in the age bracket of 14 to 49 years being affected by the transmitted disease in the United States alone. On the other hand, 10.6 percent of the average male population is seen to be affected by genital herpes.
The team led by Mahic believes the virus can end up being a dominant factor in the nerve cells. There is no given point in time or indications that could lead to recognizing the virus.
The team highlights, “At any given time, HSV-2 can flare up and become active.” Nevertheless, body immunity plays a greater role in reducing the virus effect over a period of time. Further studies have also suggested underlying links between the immune responses of the human body to the pregnancy-related infections which are seen to play a critical role in increasing autism risk.
Nevertheless, maternal immune responses to the virus are also seen to be a disruptive factor for fetal neurodevelopment. To understand their findings in depth and for further studies, researchers took blood samples from 875 expectant mothers and analyzed the blood samples.
The participating mothers were also enrolled in ABC, Autism Birth Cohort study. Of these many participants, 412 of them were seen to have offspring who were diagnosed with ASD while the remaining 463 gave birth to children without the condition.
The blood samples that were analyzed were collected during two intervals, one is at 18 weeks of the mothers being pregnant and the other sample being taken at the time of childbirth. Researchers analyzed the sample to deduce the antibody levels to five known pathogens:
- Rubella Virus
- Toxoplasma Gondi
- HSV 1
- HSV 2
- Cytomegalovirus
The team further observed that mothers who were observed to have higher levels of antibodies to the HSV-2 in their bloodstreams during 18 weeks of being pregnant were twice likelier to have offspring diagnosed with the autism condition.
Maternal HSV-2: Is Autism Only Prevalent Among Boys?
The link between HSV-2 and antibodies resulting in increased autism risk were seen to be prevalent among male offspring, says the research report.
Nevertheless, the authors point to the fact that the study was small and had fewer females diagnosed with the condition. The team further notes they were unable to conclude if their findings were sex-specific.
Further studies are required to understand the underlying link between the pregnancy virus and its correlation to autism. The researchers are hopeful about their findings paving important paths to understand the underlying causes of the condition.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
When my HSV symptoms started, I thought I had a yeast infection. The following day, I had a swollen lymph node in my neck behind my ear. A couple days later, I felt stinging on my labia while showering, which I attributed to ingrown hairs. Later, I noticed bleeding and small ulcers. They began with dull pain and tingling, then my entire genital area was swollen and red. I’ve had an outbreak every month like clockwork dealing with the pain, itching and blisters i got tired of antiviral drugs and decided to try herbal medicine, i found Dr. Bulukona Website: bulukonaherbaltemple.wixsite.com/bulukona-temple and i discovered he was a professional in herbal medication and he has helped many people, i contacted him, we talked on phone and i confirmed he was genuine, i did all what he told me to do, i received the medicine, used it as he has prescribed and glory be to God almighty i am completely cured, i went back to my doctor to confirm it. They say there’s no cure but my case was different.