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full form of BCG

Full form of BCG?

BCG stands for "Bacillus Calmette-Guerin". BCG is a vaccination against tuberculosis; it helps build resistance to tuberculosis. The vaccine was invented by Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin, two French bacteriologists. It was first used to treat a tuberculosis child, Dr. Weil-Hale, in 1921. During the next three years, until 1924, approximately 320 children were vaccinated with BCG.

Vaccination is given to children and individuals at higher risk of contracting tuberculosis, such as individuals living in TB-infected areas of the world or children with one or more parents who are infected with TB or born in a TB-affected country. It is also given to people with bladder tumors or bladder cancer.

How does BCG perform?

  • Vaccination is a kind of weakened strain of Mycobacterium Bovis, such as TB-causing bacteria.
  • When administered in the body, the vaccine activates the immune system in reaction to the bacteria without triggering the infection.
  • Antibodies stay in the body, safeguarding against other bacteria from future diseases.
  • Thus, the Vaccination allows our body to develop antibodies against TB bacteria, providing tuberculosis immunity.

Safety and Care for BCG

  • The Vaccination must be taken after a doctor’s appointment.
  • For about 24 hours, maintain the vaccine area clean & dry.
  • If the vaccine area begins to ooze, use a dry dressing, including gauze.
  • People can use a sterile alcohol swab to clean the region if necessary.
  • Do not use ointment, band-aid, antiseptic cream, or so on.

In particular persons, this Vaccination may cause complications. It involves individuals who are,

  • Before an individual had TB
  • If an individual is suffering from HIV
  • Have a positive result for Mantoux
  • Have poor immune systems because of an underlying illness
  • Women who are pregnant

bcg full form

How well the BCG Vaccine Works

BCG vaccine is usually made from a weakened strain of the TB bacteria because the bacteria in the vaccine is weak. It generally triggers the immune system to protect against the infection but does not give you TB.

It also provides consistent protection against the most severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis in children.

It is less effective in preventing TB that affects the lungs in adults, so has a limited impact on the spread of TB.

Side effects of BCG

Some common side effects may include:

  • a high temperature (fever)
  • discharge or soreness from where the injection was given
  • headache
  • swollen glands under the armpit in the arm where the injection was given