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Disseminated cutaneous eruption after BCG vaccination
A Rositto1, L Molinaro, M Larralde
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital de Niños, Superiora Sor Maria Ludovica, La Plata, Argentina.
Pediatric Dermatology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
BCG vaccination can cause skin lesions and lymphadenopathy in infants. These reactions, likely due to bacillus spread, typically resolve on their own, indicating a robust immune response.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is a common preventative measure for tuberculosis.
- Adverse skin reactions following BCG vaccination can occur, though their pathogenesis is not always clear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a specific presentation of skin lesions and lymphadenopathy in infants post-BCG vaccination.
- To investigate the role of BCG bacillus in the observed cutaneous manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of nine infants presenting with papular, papular-lichenoid, and papulo-pustular lesions and lymphadenopathy after BCG vaccination.
- Histopathological examination of skin lesions.
- Cultures of lymph node and skin biopsy samples to detect BCG bacillus.
Main Results:
- Lesions were predominantly on the limbs, associated with axillary lymphadenopathy.
- Histopathology revealed tuberculoid granulomas.
- BCG bacillus was identified in 5/7 lymph node samples and 1/1 skin biopsy.
- All infants experienced complete resolution of skin lesions, with or without treatment.
Conclusions:
- The observed skin and lymph node reactions are likely a result of hematogenous spread of the BCG bacillus.
- These reactions appear to be self-limiting, resolving as the infant's immune system effectively clears the bacillus.