A new study provides further proof that measles vaccine has no link to autism spectrum disorder, debunking a theory that has persisted for more than a decade.

Scientists examined bowel tissues from 25 children with autism and gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances for the presence of measles virus, and compared the results to biopsies from 13 children who have GI disturbances but not autism. Children with autism were no more likely to have measles virus in their bowels. Nor did researchers find any relationship between the timing of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and children developing GI problems or autism.

“This study adds a critical piece to the mountain of evidence that MMR vaccine does not autism,” said Renee R. Jenkins, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “We are hopeful these results will put this theory to rest. Parents should feel confident this life-saving vaccine has been thoroughly researched and found to be safe.”

The research was published in PLoS One, the peer-reviewed, online journal of the Public Library of Science. The study was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the American Academy of Pediatrics.  

Sept. 3, 2008 -- News release on study from Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University

Sept. 3, 2008 – CNN report on the study

Sept. 3, 2008 – Associated Press report on the study