What is the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine?

April 29, 2023

The BCG vaccine, typically administered to prevent tuberculosis, did not provide any significant protection against Covid-19 infection to healthcare workers, a new study said.

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.