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New Study Finds No Vaccine Link to Autism

MMR shot not guilty, say researchers

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 4, 2008 6:00 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A new study concludes that a childhood vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella is not linked to autism, reports the Washington Post. Researchers studied bowel biopsies from 38 autistic children and found no link between the vaccine and the digestive problems often associated with autism. The results, which contradict the findings of an earlier study, come amid a federal investigation on the controversial topic.

One theory suggests that the live measles virus in the MMR shot lingers in the intestine and releases toxins that lead to autism. The new study found traces of the virus in only one autistic child, and found traces in a non-autistic child. A patient advocate praised the study, but said that it "does not exonerate the role of all vaccines."

Eight-year-old Charlie Blakey, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, works at a lesson. A new study claims there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Eight-year-old Charlie Blakey, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, works at a lesson. A new study claims there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.   (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Jacob Day, 3, who is autistic, studies a flash card held by his instructional assistant at his California home. A new study has found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Jacob Day, 3, who is autistic, studies a flash card held by his instructional assistant at his California home. A new study has found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Jacob Day, 3, who is autistic, swings upside down as his mother watches. A new study claims there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Jacob Day, 3, who is autistic, swings upside down as his mother watches. A new study claims there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
A new study claims there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
A new study claims there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.   (Getty Images)
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Study: no link between MMR vaccine and autism
Newsday

Study contests vaccine linked to autism
ABC News

Journal: Study results
PLoS ONE

Health • US

 
Columbia University • autism • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • vaccine • MMR • measles mumps rubella • Andrew Wakefield • W. Ian Lipkin • Rick Rollens • MIND Institute

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