About Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine:
- It is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB)
- The vaccine was developed by Calmette and Guerin and was first administered to human beings in 1921.
- It is the most widely administered vaccine and is usually a part of the routine newborn immunization schedule.
- BCG vaccine also offers protection against non-tuberculous mycobacterial infectionslike leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
- It is often given to infants and small children.
- It is rarely given to anyone over the age of 16 because there is little evidence it works very well in adults.
Key facts about Tuberculosis (TB):
- Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)that most often affect the lungs.
- It is curable and preventable disease.
- Two kinds of tuberculosis infection:
- Latent TB-The bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state. They cause no symptoms and are not contagious, but they can become active.
- Active TB- The bacteria do cause symptoms and can be transmitted to others. About one-quarter of the world's population has latent TB.
- People infected with TB bacteria have a 5–15% lifetime risk of falling ill with TB.
- However, persons with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a much higher risk of falling ill.
- Transmission:
- TB is spread from person to person through the air.
- When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air.
- Even after inhaling a few drops of these germ, a person can get infected.
