Vitamin Information Center

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
Vaccination
Synonyms
Bacille Calmette-Guérin immunization; Vaccination
against tuberculosis (tbc); Immunization against tuberculosis
(tbc)
Definition
Immunization against Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
was developed in the 1930s, using a live, weakened
strain of Mycobacterium bovis, which is similar to the
germ causing tuberculosis in humans (Mycobacterium
tuberculosis).While tuberculosis is no problem in many
countries, and thus vaccination is not recommended
there, it is highly prevalent in other areas of the world.
In countries with high rates of tuberculosis, BCG vaccination
should preferably be performed at time of birth
as a single intradermal injection.After correct injection,
an induration of the skin and afterwards a small scar
develops at the needle site. The protection rate achieved
by BCG vaccination is 70–80%. In all individuals older
than six months, a tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test)
should be carried through prior to BCG immunization
to find out if the person has already come into contact
with tuberculosis. In this test a small amount of tuberculin
units is inoculated by an intradermal injection.
The induration has to be measured by a trained person
48–72 hours after administration, with a red lump
> 5mm meaning a positive result. Contraindications for
BCG vaccination are prior tuberculosis, acute illness
with fever, generalized skin disease and immunodeficiency.
 Immunization, Active