Abstract
Summary The clinical, social, and economic burden of tuberculosis (TB) remains high worldwide, thereby highlighting the importance of TB prevention. The bacilli Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine that is currently available can protect younger children but is less effective in adults, the major source of TB transmission. In addition, the emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains and the high prevalence of HIV infection have significantly complicated TB prognosis and treatment. Together, these data highlight the need for new and more effective vaccines. Recently, several vaccines containing multiple antigens, including some of those specific for dormant Mtb strains, have been developed. These vaccines appear to be the best approach for satisfactory Mtb prevention. However, until a new vaccine is proven more effective and safe than BCG, BCG should remain part of the immunization schedules for neonates and children at risk for TB as a fundamental prophylactic measure.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 6-13 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Tuberculosis |
Volume | 95 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 1 2015 |
Keywords
- BCG vaccine
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Prevention TB
- Tuberculosis
- Vaccine
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology (medical)
- Medicine(all)