THERE is no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, according to a new study.

Manchester University researchers joined experts from London's Guys Hospital and the Health Protection Agency to carry out the most comprehensive-ever study on the subject.

The report - published today - comes 10 years after the original article by Dr Wakefield called into question the safety of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

Experts looked at the measles virus and antibody levels in children.

They linked careful assessment and diagnosis of a child's condition, with analysis of blood samples by laboratories recognised as world leading by the World Health Organisation.

The study found that there was no difference between the results from autistic and non-autistic children.

The study, published in the Archive of Diseases of Childhood, was welcomed by the Department of Health.

Natural

Director of immunisation, Prof David Salisbury, said: "It's natural for parents to worry about the health and well-being of their children and I hope that this study will reassure them that there is no evidence linking the MMR vaccine to autism."

Dr David Brown, from the Health Protection Agency, who worked on the study, said: "The study found no evidence linking MMR to autistic spectrum disorder and the paper adds to the overwhelming body of evidence from around the world supporting the use of MMR.

"Public confidence in the MMR vaccine continues to remain high as the uptake for those receiving their first dose has stayed stable.

"However, it is also important to remember that children should complete their full course of MMR vaccine or optimum protection."

This virus study reached the same conclusion as a number of large epidemiological studies.

The studies found that rate of autism in children who have no had the MMR vaccine is the same as those who have.