BCG Vaccine

Mechanism :

It is the live, attenuated mycobacteria bacillus Calmette Guerin strain of M.bovis –attenuated strain of tuberculous bacillus. It is a freeze-dried vaccine and used to prevent against the disseminated form of tuberculosis such as TBM and miliary TB.

Indication :

• Prevention of disseminated, severe forms of tuberculosis.

Contraindications :

Should not be used in immunosuppressed patients or persons with congenital or acquired immune deficiencies, whether due to concurrent disease (e.g., AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma), cancer therapy (e.g., cytotoxic drugs, radiation), or immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids).

BCG vaccine should not be given to individuals with positive tuberculin test.

The vaccine should be given on healthy skin and no other treatment should be given to the limb for at least 3 months.

Dosing :

Adverse Effect :

A mild local reaction occurs following most intradermal BCG injections, over 1-2 months, and sometimes a shallow ulcer may occur. Exaggerated reactions like abscess and large ulcers result due to injection being administered too deeply. Minor regional adenitis is common. Disseminated BCG infection can occur in the immunocompromised. Anaphylaxis has been reported.

Interaction :

Live vaccines: An interval of 4 weeks should be allowed before administering any live vaccine. Should be avoided with measles and MMR vaccine.

Hepatic Dose :