title: Brief report: autistic disorder in three children with cytomegalovirus infection.
abstract: Previous research has identified a relationship between autistic disorder (autism) and specific congenital infections. Three cases of congenital or perinatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurring in association with autism are described. Hypothetical mechanisms relating congenital infection, such as CMV, to the development of autism are discussed. A better understanding of the immunologic response to certain congenital infections may provide important information pertaining to the pathophysiology and etiology of autism in vulnerable individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-4800, USA.
authors.forename: Thayne L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Sweeten
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Posey
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: McDougle
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital* / Q000276:immunology; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male