Full Form Of BCG

What is the Full form of BCG?

BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and is a vaccination that helps build resistance against tuberculosis. Though invented by two French bacteriologists, Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin, Dr. Weil-Hale was the first person to use it in 1921 for the treatment of a child suffering from tuberculosis. Up to 1924, about 320 babies got vaccinated with BCG.

Children and individuals who are at a greater risk of contracting tuberculosis are the ones who usually get vaccinated. People with bladder tumors or bladder cancer are also given this vaccine.

How does BCG perform?

• A weakened strain of Mycobacterium Bovis.
• After entering the body, the vaccine activates the immune system without triggering the infection.
• Antibodies stay in the body and prevent the person from future diseases.
• Vaccination develops antibodies against TB bacteria which provides immunity from TB.

Care and safety for BCG

• Must administer after a doctor’s appointment.
• The vaccine area should be kept clean & dry for 24 hours.
• Use a dry dressing and gauze if the vaccine area begins to ooze.
• Use a sterile swab and alcohol to clean the vaccinated region.
• Don’t use any kind of ointment, band-aid, or antiseptic cream.

There are chances of complications in the following individuals:

• Who had had TB before.
• Suffering from HIV.
• Someone with a positive result for Mantoux.
• Someone with a poor immune system.
• Pregnant women.