Scientists Tracked 3.7 Million Births—One Rare Factor Was Linked to Autism
Summary
A large study in Sweden found that rare infections passed from pregnant women to their babies can increase the risk of autism and intellectual disability. Children born with these infections had higher chances of developmental issues and lower school grades compared to those without the infections.Key Facts
- Researchers studied 3.7 million people born in Sweden between 1987 and 2021.
- 975 children were diagnosed at birth with congenital TORCH infections.
- TORCH infections include cytomegalovirus, rubella, toxoplasmosis, and herpes viruses.
- Children with these infections were about three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism.
- They were more than seven times more likely to develop intellectual disability, with the highest risk for severe cases up to 30 times greater.
- Children exposed to TORCH infections also tended to have lower school grades by age 16.
- TORCH infections are rare, so they only explain a small number of autism cases overall.
- Preventive steps include rubella vaccination before pregnancy, good hygiene, avoiding contact with young children’s saliva/urine, and food safety practices.
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