Unraveling the Complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Deep Dive into Genetic and Environmental Factors

Haymond Prasad, Department of Medcine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UCSI University, Persiaran Springhill, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Munandy Alagar, Department of Medcine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UCSI University, Persiaran Springhill, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Janaki Venkatasalam, Department of Medcine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UCSI University, Persiaran Springhill, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Rafeah Binti Pakri Mohamad, Department of Medcine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UCSI University, Persiaran Springhill, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Vivian Fernandez, School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Ihab Ali, School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Shamala Devi Sekaran, Research & Development, UCSI Hospital, Persiaran Springhill, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects behaviour, social interaction, and communication, with symptoms varying across individuals due to its spectrum. The prevalence of autism has increased significantly worldwide, and early diagnosis and intervention have become crucial for better outcomes. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to ASD, with over 200 susceptibility genes identified. However, the presence of genes does not cause autism by themselves but increase the risk for the disorder in the presence of other environmental causes related to events before or during birth. Maternal viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, zika, influenza, and rubella viruses during pregnancy can directly damage the foetal brain, alter brain development, and trigger inflammation, all of which have been linked to the risk of acquiring ASD during pregnancy. Here we examine existing literature on intricate relationships between ASD, viral infections and the environment, with the hope of elucidating potential links, mechanisms, and implications of viral infections in the development and manifestation of ASD and public health initiatives. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, direct viral infection, cytokine storm, and maternal immune responses appear to be implicated and further research, interventions, surveillance, and health screening is necessitated to address this complex and heterogeneous disorder. Infants whose mothers have had viral infections with inflammation need long term follow up so as to signs of autism so as to reduce the burden of this condition.

Keywords
autism, ASD, genetics, maternal viral infection, fetal brain damage, cytokine storm, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, zika virus

Cite this paper
Gaythri Thergerajan, Rishya Manikam, Haymond Prasad, Munandy Alagar, Janaki Venkatasalam, Rafeah Binti Pakri Mohamad, Vivian Fernandez, Ihab Ali, Shamala Devi Sekaran, Unraveling the Complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Deep Dive into Genetic and Environmental Factors , SCIREA Journal of Health. Volume 9, Issue 2, April 2025 | PP. 38-61. 10.54647/pmh330397

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