Gulf War Illnesses: Questions About the Presence of Squalene Antibodies in Veterans Can Be Resolved
NSIAD-99-5
Published: Mar 29, 1999. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 1999.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO investigated the reports that the blood samples of some ill Gulf War-era veterans contained antibodies for squalene, a component of adjuvant formulations used in some experimental vaccines but not in any licensed vaccines, focusing on whether: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) performed or sponsored research using squalene; (2) DOD considered using adjuvant formulations in vaccines administered to Gulf War-era veterans; and (3) any research has detected the presence of squalene in ill Gulf War-era veterans.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
---|---|---|
Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should review the independent research that researchers report has revealed the presence of squalene antibodies in the blood of ill Gulf War-era veterans and conduct its own research designed to replicate or dispute these results. |
Closed – Not Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
Full Report
GAO Contacts
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Disease detection or diagnosisMedical researchResearch reportsTestingVeteransGulf war syndromeGulf war syndromeAIDSMalariaHuman subjects research