An Italian Prospective Experience on the Association Between Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection and Autistic Spectrum Disorder

• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3050-3
• Publication Date: 2017-03-03T17:24:29Z
• Authors: Francesca Garofoli; Giuseppina Lombardi; Simona Orcesi; Camilla Pisoni; Iolanda Mazzucchelli; Micol Angelini; Umberto Balottin; Mauro Stronati
• Keywords: Male; Autism Spectrum Disorder; 05 social sciences; Infant, Newborn; 610; Infant; Congenital Cytomegaloviru; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Neonate; 0302 clinical medicine; Italy; Child, Preschool; 616; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Developmental and Educational Psychology; Prevalence; Humans; Female; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; Prospective Studies; Autism spectrum disorder; Retrospective Studies

The aim of this retrospective study, with prospective data collection, was to correlate congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to define its prevalence. Seventy proven congenitally-infected infants, born between 2007 and 2012, were referred to our centre for CMV diagnosis and follow-up, which consisted of a consolidated protocol allowing an early evaluation of autism. We considered four children 2-year old, two of whom, at the age of 3, were diagnosed with ASD demonstrating a 2-3 fold higher prevalence (2.86%), than that in general Italian population (0.66-1.36%).Our protocol enabled us to make the earliest diagnosis and highlight the role of the virus among other causes of autism, which may be a long term sequela of congenital CMV.