Preventive Role of BCG Vaccination in CNS Tuberculosis

Abstract

Muhammad Yasir, Khalid Basheer, Bilal Aslam, Marium Faiz

Introduction: Generally, prospective randomized trials of BCG have been used to evaluate efficacy of BCG, and retrospective case-control studies of BCG have been used to compare effectiveness of different BCG vaccine strains. Objectives of the study: The basic aim of the study is to analyze the preventive role of BCG vaccination in CNS tuberculosis. Material and methods: This study was conducted in the Paediatric Department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur during 2019 to 2020. All suspected cases of tubercles meningitis were evaluated by taking detailed history according to the designed proforma especially considering age, sex, socioeconomic conditions of family, history of contact with tuberculosis patients, BCG status and presenting complaints of fever, headache, neck stiffness of more than 2 weeks duration along with history of fits and loss of consciousness. Results: A total 53 patients were included in the study. Thirty seven patients (69.81%) had no BCG scar. Among this group 35(66.03%) patients had not been vaccinated with BCG. Two (3.77%) patient had history of BCG vaccination but no scar (Vaccination failure). Conclusion: Although many studies have shown higher sensitivity of PCR on sputum but the decrease sensitivity in case of CSF. TB prevention effectiveness of BCGs varies by manufacturer. Ascertaining the relative effectiveness of BCG vaccines from different producers may have implications when setting national and global policy, as use of strains that offer superior protection may be more cost-effective