BCG: Do we have an alternative?

Paramasivan, C N and Herbert, D and Prabhakar, R (1996) BCG: Do we have an alternative? Indian Journal of Tuberculosis, 43 (1). pp. 3-10. ISSN 0019-5705

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Abstract

Vaccination is generally used as a form of immunoprophylaxis, so that administration of the vaccine even a long time before exposure to the wild-type infectious organism should afford protection. Since effector T and B cells are shortlived; a prime requisite for a vaccine is to generate immunological memory1. In the case of organisms such as mycobacteria which are obligate intracellular pathogens and which elicit granulomatous tissue reactions, artificial immunisation with live bacteria is required to induce protection.2,3 The only existing vaccine against tuberculosis is the BCG (Bacille Calmette - Guerin), an attenuated strain of M. bovis, and it is mandatory or officially recommended in 182 countries or territories. Under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), started by the Government of India in 1978, BCG is recommended to be given to all infants 3-9 months after birth.4

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Tuberculosis > Laboratory Research > Bacteriological
Divisions: Basic Science Research > Bacteriology
Depositing User: Dr. Rathinasabapati R
Date Deposited: 27 Sep 2013 08:35
Last Modified: 14 Mar 2016 05:04
URI: http://eprints.nirt.res.in/id/eprint/416

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