Understanding the Impact: Adult BCG Vaccination in the Fight Against Tuberculosis

Year : 2024 | Volume :13 | Issue : 03 | Page : 1-6
By

Rana Aditya,

Sood Anuradha,

Sood Rajesh Kumar,

  1. Senior Resident Department of Microbiology, Dr. R.P. Govt. Medical College Kangra at Tanda Himachal Pradesh India
  2. Professor and Head Department of Microbiology, Dr. R.P. Govt. Medical College Kangra at Tanda Himachal Pradesh India
  3. District Health Officer Department of Health and Family Welfare, District Kangra at Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh India

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a big global health challenge, with significant mortality rates, especially in developing nations. India holds most TB cases throughout the globe. As HIV rates, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) continue to increase, the situation is deteriorating. These all come in the way of the End TB epidemic campaign by the World Health Organization (WHO) by 2030. Immunology and vaccinology represent critical fronts in TB research, with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine standing as the only effective vaccine currently available. This study explores the journey and efficacy of the BCG vaccine, tracing its origins to the Pasteur Institute in Lille in 1900. Despite being widely administered, BCG’s effectiveness remains debatable, with meta-analyses suggesting varying levels of protection against different forms of tuberculosis. Questions also arise regarding the vaccine’s longevity of protection beyond childhood and its efficacy in older populations, particularly among those previously sensitized to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Recent research indicates potential additional benefits of adult BCG vaccination, suggesting it may enhance the immune system’s responsiveness to various infections beyond TB. Studies highlight the vaccine’s immunomodulatory properties, which extend to general immune enhancement, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of infections unrelated to TB. Understanding the complexities of BCG vaccination, including its efficacy across age groups and its broader immunomodulatory effects, is crucial for optimizing TB control strategies and exploring potential applications beyond TB prevention.

Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB), Global health challenge, Mortality rates, Developing nations, Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), Vaccinology

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology(rrjomst)]

How to cite this article: Rana Aditya, Sood Anuradha, Sood Rajesh Kumar. Understanding the Impact: Adult BCG Vaccination in the Fight Against Tuberculosis. Research & Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2024; 13(03):1-6.
How to cite this URL: Rana Aditya, Sood Anuradha, Sood Rajesh Kumar. Understanding the Impact: Adult BCG Vaccination in the Fight Against Tuberculosis. Research & Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2024; 13(03):1-6. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjomst/article=2024/view=167839

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 03
Received May 8, 2024
Accepted July 24, 2024
Published August 20, 2024
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