Is there a vaccine for tuberculosis?

Just In

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease. One of the most common symptoms of this condition is excessive coughing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) website, India is on the list of the countries that contribute to the cases of tuberculosis globally.

Other data from the Global Tuberculosis Report (2021) confirms that India has a tuberculosis epidemic. Even the World Bank website has shown that India had an incidence rate of 188 cases per 100,000 people in the year 2020.

Tuberculosis is serious health condition that is affecting Indian population. The Central Tuberculosis Division of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) runs the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme to provide free-of-cost, quality tuberculosis diagnosis, and treatment services through the government health system.

Are there any Is there a vaccine for tuberculosis?

Yes. A vaccine can prevent tuberculosis. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is the only licensed vaccine for tuberculosis that provides moderate protection. The vaccine provides 70-80% effectiveness to infants and young children. 

How does the BCG vaccine work?

A study shows that the BCG vaccine contains live and weakened bacteria that activate the immune system. But the bacteria are not strong enough to cause disease in healthy people.

Once immune system realizes the bacteria’s presence, it generates a response by activating immune cells. These cells are specialised to kill foreign toxic particles within the body.

Now, people with some illness or undergoing certain treatments must not take the vaccine as it can have side effects. As the immune cells are already busy fighting something else, it is possible that BCG vaccination can further aggravate the condition.

Is the BCG vaccine effective in adults?

Not exactly. As of now, there is no vaccine approved to treat tuberculosis among adults. The BCG vaccine is most effective among children but is not much effective in adults. That being the case, researchers have been trying to find a new vaccine that can also protect adults from tuberculosis. A research paper published in 2019 shows that M72/AS01E vaccine seems to have curative effects against tuberculosis among adults. But this vaccine is yet to be licensed for commercial use.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

History
First published on:

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
Stories
Videos

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
Stories
Videos

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

- Advertisement -spot_img
Aditi Gangal
Aditi Gangal
A science graduate by education and a content writer by profession, Aditi prefers doing research and analysis at THIP. With a keen eye for detail, she works as a responsible fact checker who sincerely analyses fake news. A proactive and confident writer, she enjoys writing on health and wellbeing.
Read More