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BCG vaccination and risk of atopy

Tyra G Krause1, Anders Hviid, Anders Koch

  • 1Department of Epidemiology Research, Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark. tgv@ssi.dk

JAMA
|February 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

BCG vaccination in infants does not appear to reduce the risk of developing atopy. This study found no significant difference in atopy prevalence between vaccinated and unvaccinated children.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is suggested to protect against allergic diseases.
  • BCG vaccination was routine in Greenland until 1990, with its withdrawal prompting investigation into potential increases in childhood atopy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between BCG vaccination and the development of atopy in children.
  • To examine if the age at which BCG vaccination is administered influences atopy risk.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1686 schoolchildren aged 8–16 years in Greenland.
  • Serum IgE levels against common inhalant allergens were measured to define atopy.
  • Data on BCG vaccination status and age at vaccination were collected.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in the risk of atopy was observed between BCG-vaccinated and unvaccinated children (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.72-1.48).
  • The age at which BCG vaccination was administered showed no association with the risk of developing atopy (P =.17).

Conclusions:

  • Infant BCG vaccination is not associated with a reduced risk of atopy development.
  • The findings suggest that BCG vaccination does not confer protection against atopy in this population.
Abstract

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