QUID ON BCG 1921…IN 2021

Abstract

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is derived from Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis. It has become the world’s most widely used attenuated vaccine since the first administration to a newborn in July 1921. Today, it is recommended by the WHO for the protection of young children against the deadly forms of tuberculosis. Beneficial effects of BCG over the years has led to major discoveries and resulted in treatments against a wide variety of human diseases such as leprosy, viral infections including Covid-19, cancer (bladder, melena), autoimmune type I diabete, and even Alzheimer disease. With developments of molecular biology since 1990’s, several virulence determinants were identified in M. tuberculosis, but deleted in M. bovis suggesting new approaches for more efficient TB vaccine candidates. Administration route such as intravenous injection is also discussed.