The tuberculosis vaccine
Vaccination against tuberculosis uses an attenuated strain of the pathogen (mycobacteria). It is therefore a live vaccination.
Application of the tuberculosis vaccine
The BCG vaccine is injected into the skin only (intracutaneous injection). Newborns and infants up to six weeks of age may be vaccinated without any problems.
The Mendel-Mantoux tuberculin test again shows whether the tuberculosis vaccination has been successfully carried out. The test should be positive at the earliest three weeks after vaccination. There is then a clear hardening and reddening at the injection site of the skin. The tuberculin test is positive even years after a tuberculosis vaccination has been given. Therefore, one should always inform the doctor about vaccinations that have been carried out. If, on the other hand, the test is negative, a booster vaccination is given.
Unfortunately, BCG vaccination does not always prevent tuberculosis. It neither protects against infection nor against the further spread of the pathogens. The course of an infection is also only slightly influenced in adults who have received the vaccination.
Side effects of tuberculosis vaccination
Because this vaccination uses tuberculosis agents that are still alive (although attenuated), it can cause TB-like signs. The most common side effects of tuberculosis vaccination are extensive redness (erythema), induration, tissue damage, and scarring. Tissue damage occurs primarily when the vaccine is injected subcutaneously rather than into the skin.
In rare cases, allergic inflammation of the eyes occurs. Very serious complications such as inflammation of the bone marrow or meningitis as a result of vaccination rarely occur.
Contraindications
Current status of tuberculosis vaccination.
The BCG vaccine was introduced in Germany after the Second World War. One reason for the delay in use was the Lübeck vaccination disaster in 1930. 77 of 256 vaccinated children died at that time – due to faulty processing of the vaccine, the children contracted tuberculosis.
New vaccine research
For several years, scientists around the world have been conducting research to successfully control tuberculosis infections with new vaccines. For example, they are trying to increase the effectiveness of the current BCG vaccine with another vaccine.
