Is Prenatal Exposure to Maternal HSV-2 Infection Connected to Autism?

The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains poorly understood, but prenatal exposure to certain pathogens could contribute. To examine the potential role of maternal infection in determining risk for ASD in offspring, investigators conducted a case-control study in which they assessed midpregnancy and postpartum antibody responses to ToRCH pathogens (Toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus [HSV]-1, and HSV-2) in 442 women who had children with ASD compared with 464 women who had unaffected children.

Infection rates for any pathogen did not differ between cases and controls. After adjustment for multiple comparisons, no differences in antibody levels were noted between groups. An additional statistical model limi…