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The BCG Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), also known as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin or BCG, is a live, attenuated (weakened) strain of Mycobacterium bovis, a bacteria that is found in cattle. BCG is used as a vaccine to help protect people against tuberculosis (TB). TB is a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. TB is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this article, we shall learn about BCG full form, what is BCG, the advantages of BCG and how BCG vaccine helps prevents tuberculosis.
History
BCG is one of the oldest and most widely used vaccines in the world. It was developed in 1921 by a French doctor, Albert Calmette, and a French scientist, Camille Guerin. The vaccine is made from a weakened strain of M. bovis, and it works by priming the body’s immune system, enabling it to recognize and fight off the tuberculosis bacteria. When the BCG vaccine is given, it helps to create an immune response against TB, which helps protect the person from getting the disease.
BCG is most commonly used in countries where TB is common. It is recommended for infants and young children in many countries, including the United States, as it helps protect them from getting TB. It is also recommended for adults who are at an increased risk of getting TB, such as healthcare workers and those who live with someone who has TB.
BCG is a safe and effective vaccine, and it has been used for many years to help protect people from TB. It is typically given as an injection into the arm, and it usually only needs to be given once in a person’s lifetime. It is important to note that the BCG vaccine does not provide complete protection against TB, but it does help to reduce the risk of getting the disease.
BCG Full Form
BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. It is a live, attenuated strain of the bacteria Mycobacterium bovis, which is a close relative of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). BCG is used primarily as a vaccine against TB and is the most widely used vaccine in the world.
What are BCG Vaccines?
BCG vaccines are a type of vaccine that helps protect people from tuberculosis (TB). TB is a serious infection that can affect the lungs or other parts of the body. BCG vaccines help prevent severe forms of TB.
Principles and Procedures of BCG with Advantages
The BCG vaccine, also known as the tuberculosis vaccine, is developed to prevent tuberculosis. The vaccine is given by injection into the skin.
The BCG vaccine is very effective in preventing tuberculosis in children, but its effectiveness in adults is uncertain. The vaccine is not recommended for use in the United States.
How Does BCG Vaccine Work?
The vaccine works by inducing a strong, long-lasting immunity to TB. It does not prevent infection with the TB bacteria, but it greatly reduces the risk of developing active TB disease. The immunity induced by the vaccine gradually decreases over time, so BCG is often given to young children in countries where TB is common, such as in India and Africa.
How is BCG Vaccine Given to Patients?
BCG is usually given as a single dose, injected into the skin of the upper arm. The vaccine is safe and rarely causes serious side effects. The most common side effect is a localized reaction at the site of the injection, which may include redness, swelling, and soreness. It is important to note that BCG is not effective against all forms of TB.
When Shouldn’t You Use BCG Vaccine?
The BCG vaccine is primarily used for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, but there are certain situations when its administration is not recommended. These include:
- Immunocompromised individuals: The BCG vaccine is not recommended for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer undergoing treatment, or those receiving immunosuppressive medications. The vaccine may not be effective in these individuals and could potentially lead to adverse effects.
- Active TB infection: If a person has an active TB infection, the BCG vaccine is not recommended as it does not treat the active disease. In such cases, medical treatment for TB should be initiated promptly.
- Known hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the BCG vaccine or any of its components should not receive further doses.
- Pregnancy: BCG vaccination is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to limited safety data. However, in certain situations where the risk of TB is high, healthcare providers may make individualized decisions based on specific circumstances.
It is important to consult with healthcare professionals who can evaluate individual medical histories and provide appropriate guidance regarding the use of the BCG vaccine. They can consider factors such as local TB prevalence, individual risk factors, and contraindications to make informed decisions regarding vaccination.
Need for BCG Vaccine
The need for the BCG vaccine arises because the disease caused by the bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is a leading cause of death worldwide. In 2015, there were an estimated 10.4 million new cases of tuberculosis and 1.8 million deaths from the disease.
BCG vaccine is given to infants and children in countries where tuberculosis is common. The vaccine is not used in the United States because the incidence of tuberculosis is low.
Conclusion
BCG is a very effective vaccine against TB, and it is the most widely used vaccine in the world. It is an important tool in the fight against TB and has saved millions of lives.
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BCG Vaccine – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, which is a vaccine used for tuberculosis prevention.
The BCG vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine derived from the bacteria Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, used to protect against tuberculosis (TB) and stimulate the immune system's response to the disease.
The BCG vaccine is typically administered as a single dose of 0.1 milliliters (ml) in most countries. However, specific dosing guidelines may vary based on regional or national vaccination policies.
Yes, the BCG vaccine is often given to newborns as part of routine immunization programs in many countries to provide protection against tuberculosis.
The BCG vaccine was not specifically designed to provide protection against COVID-19, and its effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infection is currently uncertain. While some studies have suggested potential non-specific benefits of BCG vaccination on the immune system, further research is needed to establish its role in COVID-19 prevention.
BCG reaction refers to the immune response that occurs after the administration of the BCG vaccine, characterized by a localized skin reaction at the injection site. This reaction typically includes redness, swelling, and the formation of a small sore or blister, which may gradually heal and leave a scar.
The BCG vaccine, due to its potential ability to boost the immune response, has been studied for its potential non-specific effects against various respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Some research suggests that BCG vaccination may enhance the immune system's ability to combat the coronavirus, but further studies are required to determine its efficacy and suitability as a preventive measure.
The BCG vaccine is typically given shortly after birth, within the first few days or weeks of a newborn's life, depending on the country's vaccination schedule and guidelines.
The BCG vaccine is often given at birth because it is believed to be most effective in preventing severe forms of tuberculosis, including disseminated tuberculosis and tuberculosis meningitis, which can occur in infants and young children. Administering the vaccine early provides protection during this vulnerable period.
The BCG vaccine is typically injected intradermally (into the skin) on the upper arm or the outer aspect of the upper thigh. The injection is shallow, just below the surface of the skin.
No, the BCG vaccine does not always leave a scar.
The BCG vaccine is a live vaccine, and it is not known how long the protection lasts.
There is no general answer to this question since vaccination schedules and recommendations vary from country to country. Some vaccines are not recommended for certain age groups or people with specific medical conditions. For more information, consult a healthcare professional.
No. The BCG vaccine can only be taken once in a lifetime. What is BCG full form?
What is BCG vaccine?
What is BCG vaccine dose?
Is BCG vaccine for newborn?
Does BCG vaccine work for Covid-19 infection?
What is BCG reaction?
How a 100-year-old vaccine for tuberculosis could help fight Corona Virus?
When is BCG vaccine given?
Why is BCG given at birth?
Where do you inject BCG vaccine?
Does the BCG Vaccine always leave a Scar?
How long does the BCG Vaccine protection last?
Can every child be administered the Vaccine?
Can the BCG vaccine be taken as many times as one likes?
