Short course of clarithromycin in an immunocompetent patient with BCG-induced regional complications

J R Torres-Rojas1, A Rondón-Lugo, Rosa Vidal

  • 1Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.

Insights

Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination can rarely cause persistent skin and lymph node lesions. A case study shows clarithromycin effectively treated these rare BCG complications in an infant.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination has been a global standard for tuberculosis prevention since 1921.
  • Persistent skin and lymph node lesions caused by Mycobacterium bovis are a rare but recognized complication of BCG vaccination.

Observation:

  • An 11-month-old infant presented with a rapidly progressing cutaneous nodule and lymphadenopathy following BCG vaccination.
  • The lesions were consistent with a rare adverse reaction to the BCG vaccine.

Findings:

  • The infant's symptoms, including the nodule and lymphadenopathy, showed rapid clearance upon treatment.
  • Clarithromycin was administered and demonstrated significant efficacy in resolving the BCG-related complications.

Implications:

  • This case highlights clarithromycin as a potential treatment option for rare Mycobacterium bovis-induced lesions post-BCG vaccination.
  • Further research into standardized treatment protocols for these rare BCG complications is warranted to improve patient outcomes.

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