Human Herpesvirus Infections: a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders in children?

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette syndrome (TS), significantly impact the quality of life for affected children and their families. While their etiology is complex and multifactorial, recent studies have explored the potential role of viral infections, particularly human herpesviruses (HHV), as triggering or aggravating factors.

This study examines the causal relationship between HHV infections and these neurodevelopmental disorders.

What is the connection between neurodevelopmental disorders and viral infections?