No Evidence of Avian Retrovirus Transmission in MMR Vaccine Recipients
Author Information
Author(s): Althaf I. Hussain, Vedapuri Shanmugam, William M. Switzer, Shirley X. Tsang, Aly Fadly, Donald Thea, Rita Helfand, William J. Bellini, Thomas M. Folks, Walid Heneine
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Is there evidence of endogenous avian leukosis virus (ALV) and endogenous avian retrovirus (EAV) transmission to recipients of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence of infection with either ALV or EAV in MMR vaccine recipients.
Supporting Evidence
- All serum samples from 206 MMR vaccine recipients were negative for antibodies to endogenous ALV.
- Peripheral blood lymphocyte samples from 100 vaccinees tested negative for both ALV and EAV proviral sequences.
- Matching serum samples tested negative for ALV and EAV RNA, indicating no evidence of viremia.
Takeaway
The researchers checked if kids who got the MMR vaccine caught any viruses from the vaccine, and they found none.
Methodology
Serologic and molecular methods were used to analyze specimens from 206 MMR vaccine recipients for evidence of ALV and EAV infection.
Limitations
The study did not test for antibodies and plasma viremia in all samples, which may limit the understanding of transmission risks.
Participant Demographics
The study population consisted of 206 children, with 113 from a perinatal HIV transmission study and 93 from a study of antibody responses to MMR vaccination.
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