Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) Vaccine : No Protection Against Covid-19 Infection
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
- Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine 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.
- 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.
