Cytomegalovirus-Reactive IgG Correlates with Increased IL-6 and IL-1β Levels, Affecting Eating Behaviours and Tactile Sensitivity in Children with Autism.

Background/objectives: Elevated cytokine levels, including IL-6 and IL-1β, can contribute to persistent brain inflammation in children with autism and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, exacerbating autism-related behaviours and symptoms. This study evaluates the impact of CMV-induced cytokine increases on the eating behaviours and sensory profiles of children with autism.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving children aged two to five years (CMV-reactive IgG), with ASD (= 98) and TD ( = 96). Serological tests using ELISA were conducted to measure IgG CMV, IL-6, and IL-1β biomarkers. Eating behaviours were evaluated using the BAMBI (Brief Autism Mealtime Behaviour Inventory), and sensory profiles were assessed using the SSP (Short Sensory Profile). Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman's rank and chi-square tests.

Results: The results show that autism significantly affects children's eating behaviours and sensory profiles ( < 0.001), with notable differences found between the groups. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between IgG CMV and IL-6 ( = 0.026) and IL-1β ( = 0.014) in the ASD group. Additionally, eating behaviours (food refusal and limited variety) in ASD correlated with IL-6 and IL-1β. Sensory characteristics, such as tactile sensitivity, were found to correlate with IL-6 ( = 0.027) and IL-1β ( = 0.002) in the ASD group.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that CMV-infected children with autism are at increased risk of IL-6 and IL-1β dysregulation, contributing to sensory processing issues and eating behaviours. Further research is needed to enhance CMV testing protocols and better understand the virus's role in the development of sensory and behavioural issues in children with autism.