Optic neuritis after anthrax vaccination

Optic neuritis after anthrax vaccination Dr Meryl Nass research on GWI
Anthrax Vaccine Img

Optic neuritis after anthrax vaccination

Abstract

Objective: To report the occurrence of optic neuritis after anthrax vaccination in two patients.

Design: Observational case reports, review of literature.

Methods: Description of clinical history, examination, neuroimaging, and further studies in two patients experiencing optic neuritis in temporal association with anthrax vaccination.

Main outcome measures: Visual acuity, visual fields.

Results: Two patients, 39 and 23 years of age, were seen with acute optic neuritis 1 month and 2 weeks, respectively, after anthrax booster vaccination and successfully treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. The first patient had a typical presentation and course of unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis with excellent visual recovery. The second patient had a bilateral anterior optic neuritis and has required chronic immunosuppression to maintain his vision. Retinal and optic nerve autoantibodies were present in the second patient. No cross-reactive epitopes between anthrax vaccine and retina/optic nerve were identified.

Conclusion: Optic neuritis is a potential adverse reaction of anthrax vaccination.

Article:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11772587/

Kevin is a former Navy Aviation Machinist Mate, and Former Department of Defense Systems Engineer. Besides being very mechanically inclined, he holds a Bachelors of Computer Science. Kevin is a vaccine injury veteran and spends his spare time helping Operation Truth with their mission.