Vaccines and autism: a tale of shifting hypotheses

Clin Infect Dis. 2009 Feb 15;48(4):456-61. doi: 10.1086/596476.

Abstract

Although child vaccination rates remain high, some parental concern persists that vaccines might cause autism. Three specific hypotheses have been proposed: (1) the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism by damaging the intestinal lining, which allows the entrance of encephalopathic proteins; (2) thimerosal, an ethylmercury-containing preservative in some vaccines, is toxic to the central nervous system; and (3) the simultaneous administration of multiple vaccines overwhelms or weakens the immune system. We will discuss the genesis of each of these theories and review the relevant epidemiological evidence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / chemically induced*
  • Autistic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / adverse effects
  • Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Vaccines, Combined / adverse effects

Substances

  • Preservatives, Pharmaceutical
  • Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Combined