BCG vaccination protects against infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis ascertained by tuberculin skin testing.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. [1] The Bacillus Calmette-Gu érin (BCG) vaccine is known to protect against TB disease, in particular meningitis and disseminated TB, albeit to varying extent. [2] While BCG has for long been considered to protect against progression from latent TB infection to TB disease, there is emerging evidence that BCG vaccination might additionally protect against infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). [2–3] Recent studies found reduced risk for interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) conversion among BCG-vaccinated compared to non-vaccinated children.
Source: Journal of Infection - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research