What diseases besides TB does BCG protect against?

The BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine doesn’t just protect against tuberculosis (TB). It also offers protection and therapeutic benefits against several other infections and diseases.

Other Infectious Diseases

• Leprosy: BCG provides 20–80% protection against leprosy, as reported by News-Medical and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Buruli Ulcer: The vaccine may protect against or delay the onset of this non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection.
• Respiratory Infections: Research shows that BCG can reduce cases of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) and other respiratory illnesses, especially in children and older adults.
• Sepsis: In some low-income countries, infants vaccinated with BCG show a lower risk of sepsis and reduced overall mortality.
• Malaria: Studies in West Africa suggest that BCG vaccination may lower malaria risk in children.
• Viral Infections: BCG may also lessen severity or risk of certain viral infections such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and influenza.

Cancer and Other Conditions

• Superficial Bladder Cancer: BCG is a standard immunotherapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It works by stimulating the immune system to attack tumor cells.
• Warts: Topical BCG therapy has been effective in treating common and plane warts in several studies.
• Other Immunologic Diseases: Ongoing research explores BCG’s potential in treating multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes due to its immune-modulating effects, though these uses are not yet standard treatments.