Occurrence of suppurative lymphadenitis after a change of BCG vaccine.

Abstract

BCG vaccines are the oldest vaccines in use today, but the protective effect of the vaccination is still controversial. The risk of contracting tuberculosis is low compared with the possible complications after this vaccination. In Austria the formerly used BCG vaccine was not available in the required amount and another vaccine was released by the drug authorities. This product, with a more virulent strain, was used between August and December 1990, and this increased the incidence of complications. Eighty four of 1950 vaccinated newborn babies developed severe suppurative lymphadenitis three to 28 weeks after the vaccination, and surgical treatment was found to be necessary. Isoniazid treatment did not prove to be successful when the lymph node exceeded a certain size. Culture was successful in 46% up to week 20; after 20 weeks no culture became positive. AlU cultured bacteria were isoniazid sensitive.The question of general vaccination is raised and several points were considered before we came to the conclusion that except for high risk groups a general vaccination programme for neonates is not justified in Western countries.

Post-Bacillus Calmette-Guérin lymphadenitis in Egyptian children

“…Analysis of all epidemics has revealed that BCG lymphadenitis is an exaggerated response to a more immunogenic strain that was introduced in the immunization schedule [18][19][20]; this could explain this outbreak of BCG lymphadenitis with the introduction of a new BCG vaccine strain. Study was carried out to evaluate the course of BCG lymphadenitis occurring during this outbreak and its response to different management strategies as there are no clear evidence-based data for the best treatment of these infants.…”

Different Transcriptional Profiles of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Infected with Distinct Strains ofMycobacterium tuberculosisandMycobacterium bovisBacillus Calmette-Guérin

“…The goal of the present study was to determine whether the strains divergences may influence their relative immunogenicity [12, 13], virulence [14, 15], and viability [16], factors that must be considered for the design and improvement of a vaccine against TB.…”

BCG Adenitis: Action or Inaction?

“…[1][2][3] This complication is known to be related to the type of vaccine, dose and route of administration. [4][5][6][7] Host factors include the age at which it is given and the immunological status of the recipient. Normal newborns even those who are immunologically normal are known to have higher incidence of complications as compared to older infants and children.…”