CNS demyelination and quadrivalent HPV vaccination

Mult Scler. 2009 Jan;15(1):116-9. doi: 10.1177/1352458508096868. Epub 2008 Sep 19.

Abstract

Vaccination is generally considered safe in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We report five patients who presented with multifocal or atypical demyelinating syndromes within 21 days of immunization with the quadrivalent human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil. Although the target population for vaccination, young females, has an inherently high risk for MS, the temporal association with demyelinating events in these cases may be explained by the potent immuno-stimulatory properties of HPV virus-like particles which comprise the vaccine. A prospective case-control study of patients with MS or clinically isolated demyelinating syndromes receiving the Gardasil vaccine may provide relevant safety data in this population.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / epidemiology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / immunology*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Female
  • Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines