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Published on: April 22, 2015
Response to measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in children with autism spectrum disorders
Ivan Gentile1, Carmela Bravaccio, Raffaele Bonavolta
1Department of Medical Translational Science, University of Naples, Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, Naples, Italy.
Background/Aim:
The etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is unknown. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination has been in the past implicated in ASD pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the rate of seropositivity and the levels of antibodies against MMR antigens in a cohort of children with ASD compared to control children.
Patients And Methods:
In a cohort of children with ASD and same-age healthy controls, we measured levels and seropositivity of antibodies against MMR.
Results:
A total of 60 children, 31 with ASD and 29 controls were enrolled. The seropositivity rate and levels of all the three antibodies were similar in cases and controls.
Conclusion:
Children with ASD have a similar level and seropositivity rate of antibodies against the MMR vaccine to same-age controls. As persistent infections are typically associated with high antibody levels, our results support the arguments against a role of MMR vaccination as a causal factor or co-factor in development of ASD.
Insights
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show similar measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine antibody levels and seropositivity compared to controls. These findings do not support MMR vaccination as a cause of ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) remains unknown.
- Previous research has explored a potential link between measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination and ASD.
- Investigating immune responses to MMR vaccination in ASD is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare MMR antibody seropositivity rates and levels in children with ASD versus healthy controls.
- To evaluate the association between MMR vaccination and ASD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study comparing children with ASD and age-matched healthy controls.
- Measurement of antibody levels and seropositivity against MMR vaccine antigens.
- Statistical analysis of immune markers in both groups.
Main Results:
- Enrollment of 60 children (31 with ASD, 29 controls).
- No significant differences in seropositivity rates for any of the three MMR antibodies between ASD cases and controls.
- Similar antibody levels against MMR antigens were observed in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Children with ASD exhibit comparable MMR antibody profiles to their healthy peers.
- The findings suggest that MMR vaccination is unlikely to be a causal factor or co-factor in ASD development.
- The absence of elevated antibody levels, typically seen in persistent infections, further supports this conclusion.
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