what is BCG vaccine?????
Answers
Answer:
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a vaccine primarily used against tuberculosis (TB).[1] In countries where tuberculosis or leprosy is common, one dose is recommended in healthy babies as close to the time of birth as possible.[1] In areas where tuberculosis is not common, only children at high risk are typically immunized, while suspected cases of tuberculosis are individually tested for and treated.[1] Adults who do not have tuberculosis and have not been previously immunized but are frequently exposed may be immunized as well.[1] BCG also has some effectiveness against Buruli ulcer infection and other nontuberculous mycobacteria infections.[1] Additionally it is sometimes used as part of the treatment of bladder cancer.[2][3]
BCG vaccine
Mycobacterium bovis BCG ZN.jpg
Microscopic image of the Calmette-Guérin bacillus, Ziehl–Neelsen stain, magnification: 1,000nn
Vaccine description
Target disease
Tuberculosis
Type
Live bacteria
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com
FDA Professional Drug Information
Pregnancy
category
US: C (Risk not ruled out)
Routes of
administration
Percutaneous
ATC code
J07AN01 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status
US: ℞-only
Identifiers
DrugBank
DB12768
ChemSpider
none
Rates of protection against tuberculosis infection vary widely and protection lasts up to twenty years.[1] Among children it prevents about 20% from getting infected and among those who do get infected it protects half from developing disease.[4] The vaccine is given by injection into the skin.[1] The benefit of additional doses is not supported by evidence.[1]
Serious side effects are rare. Often there is redness, swelling, and mild pain at the site of injection.[1] A small ulcer may also form with some scarring after healing.[1] Side effects are more common and potentially more severe in those with poor immune function.[1] It is not safe for use during pregnancy.[1] The vaccine was originally developed from Mycobacterium bovis, which is commonly found in cows.[1] While it has been weakened, it is still live.[1]
The BCG vaccine was first used medically in 1921.[1] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.[5] Between 2011 and 2014 the wholesale price was US$0.16 to US$1.11 a dose in the developing world.[6][7] In the United States it costs US$100 to US$200.[8] As of 2004 the vaccine is given to about 100 million children per year globally.[9]
