Prevalence of HHV-6 and HHV-8 antibodies in patients with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Background/aim: The etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) still eludes investigators. Several viral infections have been associated with ASD etiopathogenesis but few studies have ever focused on the role of HHV-6 and HHV-8, two members of the herpesviridae family. The aim of the present study was to evaluate seropositivity rate and levels of antibodies to HHV6 and HHV-8 in children with ASD compared to controls.

Patients and methods: We measured and compared seropositivity rate and levels of antibodies to HHV-6 and HHV-8 in 30 children with ASD (14 with autistic disorder and 16 with non-autistic disorder ASD) and in 28 healthy controls of the same age.

Results: Seropositivity rate and levels of the two antibodies were similar in cases and controls. Seropositivity rate and levels of antibodies were not correlated with disease severity in children with ASD.

Conclusion: Levels and seropositivity rate of antibodies to HHV-6 and HHV-8 do not differ between children with ASD and controls.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; HHV-6; HHV-8.