BCG Vaccine Effect Against Tuberculosis Infection and Disease
BCG vaccination can protect children from tuberculosis (TB) infection as well as active TB disease, according to a study published today by The Lancet.
There are about 10 million cases of TB globally each year and 1 in 3 people are infected with the TB bacterium. BCG is the most widely used vaccine worldwide, but its mechanism of protection is poorly understood. It is thought to prevent progression of infection to active TB but whether it protects against the acquisition of infection itself has not been investigated in humans. The effect of BCG vaccine has been difficult to ascertain because, until recently, the century-old tuberculin skin-prick test (TST) was the only method for detecting infection. However, TST cannot reliably distinguish between TB infection and BCG vaccination. In this study researchers used the more accurate T-cell based blood test called the ELISpot and TST to assess infection.
Ajit Lalvani, a Wellcome Trust Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and colleagues investigated risk factors for TB infection in 979 children from Istanbul, Turkey. All children taking part shared a household with at least one adult with TB. 770 of the children had a BCG scar. The researchers found that the absence of a BCG scar was a strong, independent risk factor for infection in TB-exposed children, while the presence of a BCG scar was associated with a 24 percent reduction in risk of being infected. The authors state that this finding furthers our understanding of the biology of TB transmission and has important implications for the development of new TB vaccines.
Lalvani states, Contrary to prevailing theory that BCG vaccination protects only against tuberculosis disease, our results suggest that the vaccine also protects against tuberculosis infection . . . Our findings show that children can be protected against TB infection by vaccination and this opens a new door for the development of new, improved vaccines.
Source: The Lancet
Managerial Challenges: Setting Boundaries and Priorities in the Workplace
May 3rd 2024Maintaining boundaries can be challenging in a culture of overwork. In this installment of Dear Helpdesk, learn how to communicate effectively with your boss, prioritize your values, and safeguard your work-life balance.
Comprehensive Guide to Lymphedema: Causes, Prevention, and Management Strategies
May 3rd 2024Lymphedema, a chronic condition often stemming from cancer treatments, leads to tissue swelling. Early detection through surveillance programs and proper skincare can prevent complications like infections.
Advancing Viral Disease Treatment of Recurrent Genital Herpes, Hepatitis B and D Viruses
May 2nd 2024Health care has an unmet need for the treatment of herpesviruses, hepatitis B, and hepatitis D, which would enhance patient outcomes. What should be done, and what challenges do companies that are trying to develop treatments face?
