Question

Write briefly about BCG.

Answer 1

Hint: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is the full form of the BCG vaccine. It is used against the infection of tuberculosis. In the areas where the occurrence of tuberculosis is high the children present in that area are given this vaccine to provide them immunity against the disease.

Complete answer:
BCG is a vaccine used against tuberculosis and sometimes in cases related to leprosy. The areas which are usually infected by this disease makes the children prone to that disease. So, the children are usually given a single dose of this vaccine to provide immunization against tuberculosis. It is used in the treatment of bladder cancer. The protection through this vaccine usually lasts up to 20years. The vaccine is given in the form of injections. There are no serious side effects of this vaccine. There may be redness and swelling in the area where the injection was given. Side effects of this vaccine can be seen in the person having poor immune system. The side effects they develop can get severe. BCG was developed from the Mycobacterium bovis which is found in cows. There have been reports regarding varying efficiency of the vaccine in different countries. These may be due to genetic variations, interference by mycobacteria, and interference due to parasitic infections. These may lead to less effectiveness of the vaccine towards tuberculosis.

Note: BCG vaccine is used against tuberculosis. It may cause some side effects I the person who took it. A single dose of BCG is enough to provide protection against the disease for 15-20 years. The effectiveness usually starts to decrease after some time. One must take the necessary precautions in order to protect themselves from the disease.