[W]e have described a case of vaccine-associated chronic fatigue syndrome and macrophagic myofasciitis [MMF] in an individual demonstrating aluminium overload.
[T]he possibility is considered that the coincident aluminium overload contributed significantly to the severity of these conditions in this individual.
This case has highlighted potential dangers associated with aluminium-containing adjuvants and we have elucidated a possible mechanism whereby vaccination involving aluminium-containing adjuvants could trigger the cascade of immunological events which are associated with autoimmune conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome and macrophagic myofasciitis.
MMF is found to be concomitant with the long term persistence of aluminium hydroxide at the site of a previous intramuscular injection, with the time between immunisation with aluminium adjuvant (vaccine) and onset of symptoms and muscle biopsy ranging from 3 months to 10 years.
Case report: A 43-year-old man with no history of previous illness presented in October 2003 with symptoms suggestive of viral illness and lethargy. Symptoms progressed during the following weeks to additionally include vertigo, anxiety, feeling clumsy and low mood.
The patient was prescribed anti-depressants following which he developed cognitive impairment, slowness of speech and short term memory loss.
In March 2004, the patient asked if his condition might be associated with vaccinations administered between 30th April and 28th May 2003 for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio and tetanus/diphtheria.
In September 2004, the patient was referred to an immunologist who diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome with no trigger identified.
In December 2004, the patient completed an adverse drug reaction form in relation to hepatitis vaccination and in August 2007 an industrial injuries tribunal concluded that the patient suffered from impaired psychological and muscular function and awarded him 50% disability and cited the aforementioned series of vaccinations as the cause of the injury.
In June 2006, the patient was referred to [a medical center in] Paris where a muscle biopsy was used to diagnose macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF).
The diagnosis of MMF which has been linked to the use of aluminium-based adjuvants in vaccines was supported by the fact that each of the five vaccinations received by the patient in April/May 2003 included an aluminium-based adjuvant.
The data suggested that the patient had a higher than expected body burden of aluminium.
During the five consecutive days over which 24 h urine samples were collected the patient was asked to include up to 1.5L of a silicon-rich mineral water as part of their daily intake of fluids. Silicon-rich mineral waters have been shown to titrate aluminium from the body tissues and may, therefore, give a better overall approximation of the actual body burden of aluminium.
Aluminium overload was diagnosed 4 years post vaccination…
The medical definition of the word ‘adjuvant’ is essentially; a substance used in conjunction with another to enhance its activity. Aluminium is clearly an effective adjuvant when used in vaccination and immunotherapy. It enhances the immune response to the antigen and to the allergen. While we have known about this property of aluminium for at least 80 years we still do not fully understand the mechanism which underlies its efficacy as an adjuvant.
[V]accination and allergen therapies which incorporate aluminium-based adjuvants may sensitise recipients towards future exposures to aluminium.
In the case reported on herein we have demonstrated that regular drinking of a silicon-rich mineral water over a 3 month period dramatically reduced the body burden of aluminium from one which could be described as aluminium overload to a burden which might be considered as within the normal range. If this reduction persists with concomitant drinking of a silicon-rich mineral water we shall be interested to see if the health of the individual is improved over the long term.