Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine Latest News

Recently, India announced that it has supplied 13 tonnes of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccines to Afghanistan.

About Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine

• It is the live attenuated vaccine form of Mycobacterium bovis.
• It is used to prevent tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections.
• Developed By: It was developed by Calmette and Guérin and was first administered to human beings in 1921.
• It is the only vaccine against tuberculosis.
• Other Uses
  • It is the most widely administered vaccine and usually a part of the routine newborn immunization schedule.
  • It also offers protection against non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections like leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
  • It is also used in the treatment of superficial carcinoma of the bladder.
• The vaccine is administered intradermally.
• BCG vaccine should be stored and transported between +2 °C and +8°C.
• It has two components, a freeze-dried vaccine and a diluent to be used to reconstitute the vaccine, presented in amber glass ampoules and colourless ampoules respectively.

Key Facts about Tuberculosis (TB)

• It is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs.
• It is curable and preventable disease
• Transmission of TB
  • 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.
• Symptoms of TB
  • Persistent cough for more than 3 weeks, often with blood
  • Weight loss, night sweats, high fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, chest pain, swollen lymph nodes.
• Treatment: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides moderate protection, mainly for severe TB in infants and children.

Source: DD News

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