Relationship between vaccinations and multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate recent reports of vaccinations causing or exacerbating multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Literature was identified through MEDLINE (1966-December 2001). Key search terms included vaccinations, hepatitis B, influenza, tetanus, and multiple sclerosis.


RESULTS
Case reports of MS temporally associated with hepatitis B vaccination have prompted some researchers to propose that vaccines may provoke demyelinating diseases. Recently, studies have been performed to determine whether vaccinations are capable of causing or exacerbating MS symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent studies reaffirm that vaccinations do not increase the risk of symptom exacerbation in patients with MS or constitute a causative agent in the disease.
Sievers
Eric J
EJ
US Penitentiary, Health Services Unit, Terre Haute, IN, USA.
Heyneman
Catherine A
CA
D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects*