Does viral encephalitis cause autism?
Strong and consistent evidence has linked exposure to various pharmacological and infective agents with an elevated risk of a diagnosis of ASD including maternal valproate use, rubella and herpes encephalitis.
How do kids get HSV encephalitis?
Encephalitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Most are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), the virus that also causes cold sores. The disease may also be caused by herpes virus type 2 (HSV2). This virus can be spread by sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
How does herpes simplex affect the brain?
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Common symptoms include headaches, fevers, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and/or general weakness.
Which part of the brain is mostly affected by herpes simplex encephalitis?
Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes an encephalitis in humans that is primarily restricted to the temporal lobe and limbic system. The distribution of lesions suggests that virus enters the brain from a single site and then spreads transneuronally to infect connected structures.
Is autism caused by brain inflammation?
Multiple studies report that an abnormal immune function, which includes inflammation, cytokine dysregulation, and anti-brain autoantibodies, can significantly influence the development of autism spectrum disorders.
Can a child recover from encephalitis?
Most children recover fully. But in some cases, children may have ongoing nervous system problems. These may include trouble with learning, thinking, speech, or movement. Your child may need regular follow-up with the healthcare provider.
Can herpes cause mental problems?
Genital herpes causes considerable psychological and psychosexual morbidity. The most common emotional responses are depression, anguish, anger, diminution in self-esteem and hostility towards the person believed to be the source of the infection. These emotional problems appear to be worse in women than in men.
Can herpes cause psychosis?
Herpes encephalitis as a cause of psychosis is rare, affecting about 1 per 200,000 cases per year. It is suggested that herpes infection like other environmental stressors causes psychosis through inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and subsequent microglia activation in the hippocampus [3].
Is autism an autoimmune disorder?
There are numerous hypotheses regarding the etiology and pathology of ASD, including a suggested role for immune dysfunction. However, to date, the evidence for involvement of the immune system in autism has been inconclusive.