Absence of mycoplasma contamination in the anthrax vaccine

Emerg Infect Dis. 2002 Jan;8(1):94-6. doi: 10.3201/eid0801.010091.

Abstract

Mycoplasma contamination of the licensed anthrax vaccine administered to military personnel has been suggested as a possible cause of Persian Gulf illness. Vaccine samples tested by nonmilitary laboratories were negative for viable mycoplasma and mycoplasma DNA and did not support its survival. Mycoplasma contamination of anthrax vaccine should not be considered a possible cause of illness.

MeSH terms

  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems
  • Anthrax / prevention & control*
  • Anthrax Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Anthrax Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Bacillus anthracis / immunology*
  • Drug Contamination
  • Humans
  • Mycoplasma / growth & development
  • Mycoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Persian Gulf Syndrome / etiology*
  • Persian Gulf Syndrome / microbiology

Substances

  • Anthrax Vaccines