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Written By: Agencies | Updated : August 13, 2018 6:34 PM IST
Scientists discover new prospect of treating autism. © Shutterstock
Administering Tdap vaccination -- tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis -- to pregnant women may not increase children's risk of developing autism spectrum disorder, claims a study of more than 80,000 children born. "Infants are at the highest risk of hospitalization and death among any population subgroup after contracting a pertussis infection, a highly contagious respiratory disease also known as the whooping cough," said lead author Tracy A. Becerra-Culqui, a post-doctoral research student at Kaiser Permanente -- a US-based health care company.
"Pregnant women can be reassured by this study that there is no indication of an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in children after being exposed prenatally to the Tdap vaccine," Becerra-Culqui added.
The study, published in the journal Peadiatrics, looked at the autism diagnosis for nearly 82,000 children.
The Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices, which provides guidance on the use of vaccines for the US, recommends pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine to prevent pertussis infection, but some women still hesitate.
"The link between vaccination and development of autism has been refuted by many rigorous scientific investigations. Unfortunately, the misconceptions still generate concerns," the researchers said.
Source: IANS
Image Source: Shutterstock
