Tuberculosis vaccine

Definition

The tuberculosis vaccine, also known as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, is primarily used to prevent tuberculosis. It is derived from a strain of Mycobacterium bovis and is most effective in preventing severe forms of TB in children.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The BCG vaccine is not widely used in countries with low incidence of tuberculosis due to variable efficacy against adult pulmonary TB.
2. BCG vaccination can cause a false-positive result on a tuberculin skin test (TST).
3. It is administered intradermally at birth or during early childhood in countries with high TB prevalence.
4. While the BCG vaccine does not prevent tuberculosis infection, it reduces the risk of severe complications like tuberculous meningitis and miliary disease.
5. Vaccination with BCG may have non-specific effects on the immune system, potentially providing protection against other infections.

Review Questions

Related terms

Mycobacterium tuberculosis:

A bacterial species that causes tuberculosis in humans.

Tuberculous meningitis: A form of meningitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis affecting the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Pulmonary tuberculosis: A form of tuberculosis that affects lung tissue, causing symptoms like chronic cough and chest pain.