BCG is a Good Immunotherapeutic Agent for Viral and Autoimmune Diseases: Is it a New Weapon against Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Abstract

Now nearly a century old, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is used routinely in humans for the prophylaxis of tuberculosis and to clear up leprosy. As the immune response to the vaccine shows some degree of cross-antigenicity, the vaccine also affects a level of resistance to a range of unrelated diseases and pathogens.Clinical studies data have shown that the BCG vaccine has effects on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.Although the vaccine does not possess any inherent antiviral activity, it engages in the host immune system such that many types of viral infections are considerably reduced. Hence, we expect that the frequency and severity of many microbial diseases, including COVID-19, will be lower in counties in which mass BCG vaccination programs are implemented. So the BCG vaccine may prove useful in the coming months especially in countries where already have mass BCG vaccination, as the COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented strain on health services across the world. Currently, countless front-line healthcare staff is in immediate danger of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Furthermore, as oral zinc sulfate as immunomodulator has proved an effective means to treat various viral diseases (including viral warts and herpes), parasitic infections, and diseases with autoimmune reactions such as Behcet's disease and recurrent aphthous stomatitis, it could be employed in combination with the BCG vaccine to enhance the immunological functions of patients with COVID-19. So BCG immunotherapy combined with oral zinc sulfate will be encouraging protective programs in societies where coronavirus is going to spread.

BCG vaccine protection from severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

“…Considering the cross-protection reported for BCG vaccination on viral respiratory infections, recent publications have proposed that BCG vaccination could have protective effects against COVID-19 infection ( 14 – 16 ). These publications, however, do not include extensive statistical analysis, and the World Health Organization has cautioned about the lack of research regarding BCG vaccination against COVID-19 infection ( 17 ).…”

OUTBREAK of novel corona virus disease (COVID-19): Antecedence and aftermath

“…It demonstrates a non-specific effect and thus its use may prove to be favorable against viral pathogens as well ( Moorlag et al, 2019 ). A study reported that oral zinc sulphate being an effective immunomodulator can be combined with BCG vaccine to provide protection against COVID-19 ( Sharquie, 2020 ). The outcomes of the ongoing randomized trials (phase III) of BCG vaccine are eagerly anticipated ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04328441?term=BCG+vaccine&cond=COVID-19&draw=2&rank=1 );( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04327206?term=BCG+vaccine&cond=COVID-19&draw=1&rank=2 ).…”

Correlation between COVID-19 case fatality rate and percentage of BCG vaccination: is it true the vaccine is protective?

“…Assiut University Hospitals, Assiut 71515, Egypt. 2 Epidemiology and Public Health, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 3 Dermatology and Venerology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 30255, Egypt.…”

“…Correlations of BCG coverage percentage in 183 countries (countries that follow a national BCG immunization program and those that did not have or have ceased their national BCG vaccination programs) and the number of cases/1000 population and number of serious and critical cases/1000 and deaths/1000 population and case fatality rates (in 121 countries)Variable BCG coverage% Cases/1000 population 1 Serious cases/1000 population2,3 Deaths/1000 population 4 CFR 5…”