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A comparative study of Japanese and British BCG vaccine strains in newborn infants
Insights
Japanese BCG vaccine showed a higher tuberculin conversion rate in infants compared to the British BCG vaccine. This prospective study evaluated BCG vaccine efficacy in newborns, finding significant differences in immune response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is a crucial tool for preventing tuberculosis (TB) in infants.
- Different BCG vaccine strains exist, potentially influencing immunogenicity and efficacy.
- Understanding comparative vaccine responses in newborns is vital for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the immunogenicity of British and Japanese BCG vaccine strains in newborn infants.
- To assess the development of tuberculin sensitivity following vaccination with different BCG strains.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized study involving 317 infants receiving British BCG and 285 receiving Japanese BCG.
- Regular follow-up examinations assessed BCG scar development and Mantoux test responses at six months.
- Maternal tuberculin status and infant breastfeeding practices were considered as potential confounders.
Main Results:
- All infants developed characteristic BCG scars by three months.
- A mean Mantoux test induration of 7.2 mm was recorded at six months.
- Infants receiving the Japanese BCG vaccine demonstrated significantly higher tuberculin conversion rates (74.7%) compared to those receiving the British BCG vaccine (51.4%).
Conclusions:
- The Japanese BCG vaccine strain elicited a stronger immune response, indicated by higher tuberculin conversion rates, in newborn infants compared to the British strain.
- Breast-feeding and maternal tuberculin status did not significantly impact infant response to either BCG vaccine.
- Findings suggest potential differences in the immunogenicity of BCG vaccine strains, warranting further investigation into TB prevention strategies.
Abstract:
A prospective study on the British and Japanese BCG vaccines in newborn infants was carried out in which 317 and 285 infants were randomly allocated and vaccinated with the British and Japanese BCG vaccines, respectively. Four follow-up examinations were carried out with an average of 98% of the study cohort attending all sessions. About half the infants did not produce any visible response at the end of the first week. All, by the end of the third month, had characteristic BCG scars with an average diameter of 4.6 mm. A Mantoux test was carried out at six months. A mean skin induration of 7.2 mm (SD 5.3 mm) was recorded. Significantly higher proportions of infants given Japanese BCG were found to be tuberculin convertors (74.7%) when compared to those given British BCG (51.4%). Breast-feeding practices and the mothers' tuberculin status did not influence markedly their infants response to tuberculin.