Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
08:12

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets

Published on: September 6, 2019

Disseminated bacille Calmette-Guérin disease in HIV-infected South African infants

A C Hesseling1, L F Johnson, H Jaspan

  • 1Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa. annekeh@sun.ac.za

Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|August 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The incidence of disseminated bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) disease in HIV-infected infants is significantly higher than previously thought. This highlights an urgent need for better tuberculosis prevention strategies for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Immunization and Public Health
  • HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

  • Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is a global standard for tuberculosis prevention.
  • HIV infection in infants significantly increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • High burdens of both HIV and tuberculosis necessitate careful consideration of vaccination strategies in affected populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the population-based incidence of disseminated BCG disease in HIV-infected infants.
  • To assess this risk in a setting with high HIV and tuberculosis prevalence.
  • To inform public health decisions regarding BCG vaccination in vulnerable infant populations.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, multicentre surveillance data was used to identify cases of disseminated BCG disease in HIV-infected infants (aged ≤1 year) between 2004-2006.
  • Population-based estimates of live births, maternal HIV prevalence, vertical transmission rates, and BCG vaccination rates were used to calculate the denominator.
  • Incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 BCG-vaccinated, HIV-infected infants.

Main Results:

  • The estimated incidence of disseminated BCG disease was substantially high, with pooled incidence at 992 per 100,000 infants over the study period.
  • Specific incidences per 100,000 were 778 in 2004, 1300 in 2005, and 1013 in 2006.
  • These findings suggest a considerably higher risk than previously estimated, potentially underestimated.

Conclusions:

  • The risk of disseminated BCG disease in HIV-infected infants is considerably higher than previously recognized.
  • Urgent data on the risk-benefit ratio of BCG vaccination in HIV-infected infants is needed.
  • Development of safe and effective tuberculosis prevention strategies for HIV-infected infants is critical.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients13:50

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients

Published on: June 11, 2011

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice06:32

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice

Published on: September 19, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...