Bacille Calmette-Guérin immunization in normal healthy adults

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Mycobacterial Infections

Background:

• The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is widely used globally for tuberculosis prevention.
• Understanding local adverse reactions and immunological responses to BCG in healthy adults is crucial for risk-benefit assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate local adverse reactions and purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test responses following BCG vaccination in healthy adults.
• To inform individuals at occupational risk of tuberculosis about potential BCG side effects.

Main Methods:

• Administered BCG vaccine to 20 healthy, PPD and HIV-negative adults (18-65 years old).
• Monitored local adverse reactions and assessed PPD skin test responses at 2 months and 1 year post-vaccination.

Main Results:

• All vaccinees experienced local reactions: erythema, induration, and tenderness.
• Common adverse events included muscular soreness (15/20), local ulceration with drainage (14/20), and regional adenopathy (2/20).
• BCG organisms were isolated from one vaccinee's ulcer drainage; all subjects showed persistent PPD induration.

Conclusions:

• BCG vaccination in healthy adults leads to frequent local adverse reactions and persistent PPD skin test positivity.
• Healthcare providers should counsel individuals on potential side effects, including ulceration and drainage.
• Covering vaccination sites is recommended to prevent nosocomial transmission of BCG organisms.