MMR vaccine and autism: an update of the scientific evidence.
An hypothesis published in 1998 suggested that measles-mumps-rubella vaccine may cause autism as a result of persistent measles virus infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Results of early studies were not supportive and in 2001 a review by the Institute of Medicine concluded that the evidence favors the rejection of a causal relationship at the population level between measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autistic spectrum disorder. Studies published since the Institute of Medicine report have continued not to find an increased risk of autistic spectrum disorder associated with measles-mumps-rubella. The vaccine also has not been found to be associated with a unique syndrome of developmental regression and gastrointestinal disorders. The evidence now is convincing that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine does not cause autism or any particular subtypes of autistic spectrum disorder.
DeStefano
Frank
F
National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E61, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. fdestefano@cdc.gov
Thompson
William W
WW
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004760:Enterocolitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine