BCG revaccination study in adults to begin in 23 States

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Health

Context:

Twenty three States have consented to participate in the BCG revaccination study in adults that will be undertaken in a “programme implementation study mode” to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine in reducing TB disease incidence.

About Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine:

It is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB).
The vaccine was developed by Calmette and Guerin and was first administered to human beings in 1921.
It is the most widely administered vaccine and is usually a part of the routine newborn immunization schedule.
BCG vaccine also offers protection against non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections like leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
It is often given to infants and small children.
It is rarely given to anyone over the age of 16 because there is little evidence it works very well in adults.

Key facts about Tuberculosis (TB):

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)that most often affect the lungs.
It is curable and preventable disease.
Two kinds of tuberculosis infection:
Latent TB-The bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state. They cause no symptoms and are not contagious, but they can become active.
Active TB– The bacteria do cause symptoms and can be transmitted to others. About one-quarter of the world’s population has latent TB.
People infected with TB bacteria have a 5–15% lifetime risk of falling ill with TB.
However, persons with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a much higher risk of falling ill.

Transmission:

TB is spread from person to person through the air.
When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air.
Even after inhaling a few drops of these germ, a person can get infected.