Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccine

SEO Title: BCG Vaccine: Tuberculosis Prevention, Mechanism, Uses and Key Facts

Category: Science & Technology | Health | Vaccines

UPSC Notes

The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a vaccine derived from an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis and is primarily used against tuberculosis.

Key Pointers

  • Full form: Bacille Calmette-Guérin.

  • Used primarily against tuberculosis (TB).

  • Derived from attenuated Mycobacterium bovis.

  • Particularly effective in protecting children against severe forms of TB.

  • Included in India's childhood immunisation programme.

  • Usually administered intradermally.

  • The vaccine can also cause a characteristic local scar.

Prelims Focus: BCG → TB → attenuated M. bovis → childhood vaccination.