Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
Vaccine description
Target disease Tuberculosis
Type Live bacteria
Clinical data
Pregnancy cat.  ?
Legal status  ?
Identifiers
ATC code J07AN01

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (or Bacille Calmette-Guérin, BCG) is a vaccine against tuberculosis that is prepared from a strain of the attenuated (weakened) live bovine tuberculosis bacillus, Mycobacterium bovis, that has lost its virulence in humans by being specially subcultured (230 passages) in an artificial medium for 13 years, and also prepared from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacilli have retained enough strong antigenicity to become a somewhat effective vaccine for the prevention of human tuberculosis. At best, the BCG vaccine is 80% effective in preventing tuberculosis for a duration of 15 years; however, its protective effect appears to vary according to geography.

Contents

History

The history of BCG is tied to that of smallpox. Jean Antoine Villemin first recognized bovine tuberculosis in 1854 and transmitted it, and Robert Koch first distinguished Mycobacterium bovis from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. After the success of vaccination in preventing smallpox, scientists thought to find a corollary in tuberculosis by drawing a parallel between bovine tuberculosis and cowpox: It was hypothesized that infection with bovine tuberculosis might protect against infection with human tuberculosis. In the late 19th century, clinical trials using M. bovis were conducted in Italy with disastrous results, because M. bovis was found to be just as virulent as M. tuberculosis.

Albert Calmette, a French bacteriologist, and his assistant and later colleague, Camille Guérin, a veterinarian, were working at the Institut Pasteur de Lille (Lille, France) in 1908. Their work included subculturing virulent strains of the tubercle bacillus and testing different culture media. They noted a glycerin-bile-potato mixture grew bacilli that seemed less virulent, and changed the course of their research to see if repeated subculturing would produce a strain that was attenuated enough to be considered for use as a vaccine. The research continued throughout World War I until 1919, when the now avirulent bacilli were unable to cause tuberculosis disease in research animals. They transferred to the Paris Pasteur Institute in 1919. The BCG vaccine was first used in humans in 1921.[1]

Public acceptance was slow, and one disaster, in particular, did much to harm public acceptance of the vaccine. In the summer of 1930 in Lübeck, 240 infants were vaccinated in the first 10 days of life; almost all developed tuberculosis and 72 infants died. It was subsequently discovered that the BCG administered had been contaminated with a virulent strain that was being stored in the same incubator, and led to legal action being taken against the manufacturers of BCG.[2]

Dr. R.G. Ferguson, working at the Fort Qu'Appelle Sanatorium in Saskatchewan, was among the pioneers in developing the practice of vaccination against tuberculosis. In 1928, BCG was adopted by the Health Committee of the League of Nations (predecessor to the WHO). Because of opposition, however, it did not become widely used until after World War II. From 1945 to 1948, relief organizations (International Tuberculosis Campaign or Joint Enterprises) vaccinated over 8 million babies in eastern Europe and prevented the predicted increase of TB after a major war.

BCG is very efficacious against tuberculous meningitis in the pediatric age group, but its efficacy against pulmonary tuberculosis appears to be variable. As of 2006, only a few countries do not use BCG for routine vaccination. The USA and the Netherlands have never used it routinely. In both countries, BCG vaccination is not routinely given to adults because it is felt that having a reliable Mantoux test and being able to accurately detect active disease is more beneficial to society than vaccinating against a relatively rare (in those countries) condition.

Recent research by the Imperial College London has focused on finding new cellwall proteins which trigger an immune response and are suitable for use in a vaccine that can provide long-term protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study has revealed a few such proteins, the most promising of which has been dubbed EspC, elicits a very strong immune reaction, and is specific to M. tuberculosis.[3]

Variable efficacy

The most controversial aspect of BCG is the variable efficacy found in different clinical trials that appears to depend on geography. Trials conducted in the UK have consistently shown a protective effect of 60 to 80%, but those conducted elsewhere have shown no protective effect, and efficacy appears to fall the closer one gets to the equator.[4][5]

The first large scale trial evaluating the efficacy of BCG was conducted from 1956 to 1963, and involved 54,239 school children who received BCG at the age of 14 or 15; this study showed an efficacy of 84% up to 5 years after immunization.[6] However, a US Public Health Service trial of BCG in Georgia and Alabama published in 1966 showed an efficacy of only 14%,[7] and did much to convince the US it did not want to implement mass immunization with BCG. A further trial conducted in South India and published in 1979 (the "Chingleput trial"), showed no protective effect.[8]

The duration of protection of BCG is not clearly known. In those studies showing a protective effect, the data are inconsistent. The MRC study showed protection waned to 59% after 15 years and to zero after 20 years; however, a study looking at native Americans immunized in the 1930s found evidence of protection even 60 years after immunization, with only a slight waning in efficacy.[9]

BCG seems to have its greatest effect in preventing miliary TB or TB meningitis,[10] for which reason, it is still extensively used even in countries where efficacy against pulmonary tuberculosis is negligible.

Reasons for variable efficacy

The reasons for the variable efficacy of BCG in different countries are difficult to understand. A number of possible reasons have been proposed, but none have been proven, and none can explain the lack of efficacy in both low TB burden countries (US) and high TB burden countries (India). The reasons for variable efficacy have been discussed at length in a WHO document on BCG.[11]

  1. Background frequency of exposure to tuberculosis It has been hypothesized that in areas with high levels of background exposure to tuberculosis, every susceptible individual is already exposed prior to BCG, and that the natural immunizing effect of background tuberculosis duplicates any benefit of BCG.
  2. Genetic variation in BCG strains There is genetic variation in the BCG strains used, and this may explain the variable efficacy reported in different trials.[12]
  3. Genetic variation in populations Differences in genetic make-up of different populations may explain the difference in efficacy. The Birmingham BCG trial was published in 1988. The trial was based in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and examined children born to families who originated from the Indian subcontinent (where vaccine efficacy had previously been shown to be zero). The trial showed a 64% protective effect, which is very similar to the figure derived from other UK trials, thus arguing against the genetic variation hypothesis.[13]
  4. Interference by nontuberculous mycobacteria Exposure to environmental mycobacteria (especially M. avium, M. marinum and M. intracellulare) results in a nonspecific immune response against mycobacteria. Administering BCG to someone who already has a nonspecific immune response against mycobacteria does not augment the response already there. BCG will therefore appear not to be efficacious, because that person already has a level of immunity and BCG is not adding to that immunity. This effect is called masking, because the effect of BCG is masked by environmental mycobacteria. There is clinical evidence for this effect from a series of studies performed in parallel in adolescent school children in the UK and Malawi.[14] In this study, the UK school children had a low baseline cellular immunity to mycobacteria which was increased by BCG; in contrast, the Malawi school children had a high baseline cellular immunity to mycobacteria and this was not significantly increased by BCG. Whether this natural immune response is protective is not known.[15] An alternative explanation is suggested by mouse studies: immunity against mycobacteria stops BCG from replicating and so stops it from producing an immune response. This is called the blocking hypothesis.[16]
  5. Interference by concurrent parasitic infection Another hypothesis is that simultaneous infection with parasites changes the immune response to BCG, making it less effective. A Th1 response is required for an effective immune response to tuberculous infection; one hypothesis is that concurrent infection with various parasites produces a simultaneous Th2-response which blunts the effect of BCG.[17]
  6. Exposure to ultraviolet light Concentration of ultraviolet light (particularly UVB light) from the Sun may have some effect on efficacy of the BCG vaccine. UVB has been demonstrated to reduce efficacy of BCG vaccine in laboratory guinea pigs.[18] The concentration gradient of UVB light increases geographically closer to the Earth's equator. It is possible, though currently unresearched, that this effect may occur as a result of sunlight-dependent Vitamin D production.

Uses

Tuberculosis The main use of BCG is for vaccination against tuberculosis. It is recommended the BCG vaccination be given intradermally by a nurse skilled in the technique. Having had a previous BCG vaccination is a cause of a false positive Mantoux test, although a very high-grade reading is usually due to active disease.

The age of the patient and the frequency with which BCG is given has always varied from country to country.

Method of administration

Except in neonates, a tuberculin skin test should always be done before administering BCG. A reactive tuberculin skin test is a contraindication to BCG. Someone with a positive tuberculin reaction is not given BCG, because there is a high risk of severe local inflammation and scarring, not because of the common misconception that tuberculin reactors "are already immune" and therefore do not need BCG. People found to have reactive tuberculin skin tests should be screened for active tuberculosis.

BCG is given as a single intradermal injection at the insertion of the deltoid. If BCG is accidentally given subcutaneously, then a local abscess may form (a BCG-oma) that can sometimes ulcerate, and may require treatment with antibiotics. However, it is important to note an abscess is not always associated with incorrect administration, and it is one of the more common complications that can occur with the vaccination. Numerous medical studies on treatment of these abscesses with antibiotics have been done with varying results, but the consensus is that once pus is aspirated and analysed, providing there are no unusual bacilli present, the abscess will generally heal on its own in a matter of weeks.[22]

BCG immunization leaves a characteristic raised scar that is often used as proof of prior immunization. The scar of BCG immunization must be distinguished from that of small pox vaccination which it may resemble.

Other uses

Adverse effects

BCG is one of the most widely used vaccines in the world, with an unparalleled safety record. BCG immunization generally causes some pain and scarring at the site of injection. The main adverse effects are keloids—large, raised scars. The insertion of deltoid is most frequently used because the local complication rate is smallest when that site is used. Nonetheless, buttock is an alternative site of administration because it provides better cosmetic outcomes.

BCG vaccine should be given intradermally. If given subcutaneously, BCG may induce local infection and spread to the regional lymph nodes causing lymphadenitis. It can be classified into suppurative and non-suppurative lymphadenitis. Conservative management is usually adequate for non-suppurative lymphadenitis. If suppuration occurs, it may need needle aspiration. For non resolving suppuration, surgical excision is required but not incision. Uncommonly, breast and gluteal abscess can occur due to haematogenous and lymphangiomatous spread. Regional bone infection (BCG osteomyelitis or osteitis) and disseminated BCG infection are rare complications of BCG vaccination but potentially life threatening. Systemic anti-tuberculous therapy may be helpful in severe complications.[32]

If BCG is accidentally given to an immunocompromised patient (e.g., an infant with SCID), it can cause disseminated or life-threatening infection. The documented incidence of this happening is less than 1 per million immunizations given.[33] In 2007, The WHO stopped recommending BCG for infants with HIV, even if there is a high risk of exposure to TB,[34] because of the risk of disseminated BCG infection (which is approximately 400 per 100,000).[35][36]

Manufacturers

There are a number of different manufacturers of BCG, and each manufacturer uses a different genetic strain. This may result in different vaccine potency. 1) OncoTICE (used for bladder instillation for bladder cancer), developed by Organon laboratories, acquired by Schering-Plough, in turn acquired by Merck, Inc. 2) Statens Serum Institut in Denmark 3) Pacis BCG. Apparently the original BCG strain. First marketed by Urocor in about 2002. Urocor since acquired by Dianon Systems 4) Evans vaccines (subsidiary of PowderJect Pharmaceuticals Plc, London: PJP)

Other tuberculosis vaccines

See: Tuberculosis vaccines

See also

References

  1. ^ Fine PEM, Carneiro IAM, Milstein JB, Clements CJ. (1999). Issues relating to the use of BCG in immunization programs. Geneva: WHO. 
  2. ^ Rosenthal SR. (1957). BCG vaccination against tuberculosis. Boston: Litte, Brown & Co.. 
  3. ^ "Tuberculosis vaccine target found". BBC News. 19 March 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12789022. 
  4. ^ Colditz GA, Brewer TF, Berkey CS (1994). "Efficacy of BCG Vaccine in the Prevention of Tuberculosis". J Am Med Assoc 271 (9): 698–702. doi:10.1001/jama.271.9.698. PMID 8309034. 
  5. ^ Fine PEM (1995). "Variation in protection by BCG: implications of and for heterologous immunity". Lancet 346 (8986): 1339–1345. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(95)92348-9. 
  6. ^ Hart PD, Sutherland I. (1977). "BCG and vole bacillus vaccines in the prevention of tuberculosis in adolescence and early adult life. Final Report of the Medical Research Council". Brit Med J 2 (6082): 293–95. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.6082.293. 
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  18. ^ http://www.tuberculosisjournal.com/article/S1472-9792%2809%2900086-9/abstract
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  25. ^ Lamm DL, Blumenstein BA, Crawford ED (1991). "A randomized trial of intravesical doxorubicin and immunotherapy with bacille Calmette-Guerin for transitional-cell carcinoma of the bladder". N Engl J Med 325 (2): 1205–9. doi:10.1056/NEJM199110243251703. PMC 1164610. PMID 192220. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1164610. 
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  27. ^ "Human trials to begin on 'diabetes cure' after terminally ill mice are returned to health". Daily Mail (London). 14 March 2008. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=534410&in_page_id=1774&ct=5. 
  28. ^ a b Ristori, G; Buzzi MG, Sabatini U, Giugni E, Bastianello S, Viselli F, Buttinelli C, Ruggieri S, Colonnese C, Pozzilli C, Salvetti M (Oct 1999). "Use of Bacille Calmette-Guèrin (BCG) in multiple sclerosis". Neurology 53 (7): 1588–1589. PMID 10534275. 
  29. ^ Paolillo, A; Buzzi MG, Giugni E, Sabatini U, Bastianello S, Pozzilli C, Salvetti M, Ristori G. (February 2003). "The effect of Bacille Calmette-Guérin on the evolution of new enhancing lesions to hypointense T1 lesions in relapsing remitting MS". J Neurol 250 (2): 247–248. doi:10.1007/s00415-003-0967-6. PMID 12622098. 
  30. ^ Rutschmann, OT; McCrory, DC; Matchar, DB; Immunization Panel of the Multiple Sclerosis Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines (Dec 2002). "Immunization and MS: a summary of published evidence and recommendations". Neurology 59 (12): 1837–1843. PMID 12499473. 
  31. ^ Yong, J; Goran Lacan, Hoa Dang, Terry Hsieh, Blake Middleton, Clive Wasserfall, Jide Tian, William P. Melega, Daniel L. Kaufman (Jan 2011). "BCG Vaccine-Induced Neuroprotection in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease". PlosOne. PMID 21304945. 
  32. ^ Govindarajan KK, Chai FY (2011). "BCG adenitis - need for increased awareness". Mal J Med Sci 18 (2): 67–70.  Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
  33. ^ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1996). "The role of BCG vaccine in the prevention and control of tuberculosis in the United States: a joint statement of the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices". MMWR Recomm Rep 45 (RR-4): 1–18. PMID 8602127. 
  34. ^ WHO (2007). "Revised BCG vaccination guidelines for infants at risk for HIV infection". Wkly Epidemiol Rec 82 (21): 193–196. PMID 17526121. 
  35. ^ Trunz BB, Fine P, Dye C (2006). "Effect of BCG vaccination on childhood tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis worldwide: a meta-analysis and assessment of cost-effectiveness". Lancet 367 (9517): 1173–1180. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)68507-3. 
  36. ^ Mak TK, Hesseling AC, Hussey GD, Cotton MF (2008). "Making BCG vaccination programs safer in the HIV era". Lancet 372 (9641): 786–787. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61318-5. 

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