New study finds no measles vaccine/autism link

Delthia Ricks

Sep. 4, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Amid concerns about an upsurge in measles, scientists yesterday revealed new research showing the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine -- MMR -- is not linked to autism.

The new study directly challenges fears harbored by parents who've refused to have their children immunized. The nation is facing its highest number of measles cases since 1996. Although the infection is considered eradicated in this country, 131 cases have been reported this year, mostly among unvaccinated children. Measles, experts reiterated yesterday, can be deadly.

Dr. W. Ian Lipkin of Columbia University, collaborating with a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Trinity College in Dublin, tackled the hot-button question: whether the MMR vaccine causes autism.

"We are persuaded there is no link," said Lipkin, director of the center on infection and immunity at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health in Manhattan.

The study was not designed to address other rumored theories of autism's cause, such as thimerosal, the much-debated mercury-based preservative in some other vaccines, Lipkin said.

Reported in today's Public Library of Science, the study replicated a controversial analysis by British physician Andrew Wakefield that in 1998 drew a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Wakefield's theory -- based on a study of 12 children -- suggested measles viruses gravitate to the intestines where they persisted after vaccination, causing an inflammatory cascade that ultimately results in neurological damage and lifelong gastrointestinal disturbances. His theory was widely embraced.

Lipkin and colleagues searched for traces of genetic material linked to the virus in intestinal tissue taken from 25 children with autism and gastrointestinal problems. They compared the samples to those from 13 children without autism but with intestinal problems.

In 24 of the group of 25 and in 12 of the 13, there was no evidence of viral persistence, leading researchers to conclude the vaccine did not cause autism or gastrointestinal problems.

During a news briefing yesterday, Lipkin said his research showed the sole benefit of Wakefield's study -- it highlighted that children with autism often have disabling gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Researchers now believe such problems afflict 25 percent of children with autism-related conditions.

"We found no relationship between the timing of the MMR vaccine and the onset of either GI complaints or autism," Dr. Mady Hornig, also of Columbia, said.

Since Wakefield's controversial study, many parents worldwide have shunned the vaccine, or regretted having gotten their children immunized.

"Had I known then what I know now I might have reconsidered the vaccine," said Robyn Schneider of Great Neck, whose twin 18-year-old sons have autism, which she still believes could have been triggered by the MMR vaccine.

Numerous other parents believe likewise, said Schneider, who is organizing a Long Island conference on issues facing teens with autism to be held later this month.

Assemb. Marc Alessi (D-Wading River), meanwhile, plans to hold a series of roundtable discussions throughout the state, starting on Long Island, to air pros and cons involving mandated childhood vaccinations. He authored a philosophical exemption measure that, if passed, could allow some parents to avoid having their children vaccinated.

Federal health officials -- as well as those on Long Island -- are encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0134-27881769