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Multiple sclerosis incidence in the era of measles-mumps-rubella mass vaccinations

C Ahlgren1, A Odén, K Torén

  • 1Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. cecilia.ahlgren@neuro.gu.se

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|January 22, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mass vaccinations did not alter multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence despite reduced viral infections. An increasing background MS incidence may mask potential vaccination benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Viral childhood infections are implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
  • Swedish vaccination programs significantly reduced measles, mumps, and rubella incidence from the 1970s/1981 onwards.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if vaccination-induced reductions in viral infections impact MS incidence.
  • To evaluate potential beneficial or harmful effects of mass vaccinations on public health.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 534 MS patients born between 1959-1990.
  • Compared unvaccinated cohorts with four cohorts based on vaccination programs (251 MS patients).

Main Results:

  • No significant changes in MS incidence were detected in relation to vaccination programs.
  • A significant, age-dependent increase in background MS incidence was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Current data shows no evidence that reduced viral infections influenced MS incidence.
  • An increasing background MS incidence of unknown origin might obscure a potential MS risk reduction from mass vaccinations.

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