July 1 marks 102 years since the first application of the BCG vaccine, which continues to be crucial to protect against severe forms of tuberculosis, a disease that continues to be one of the highest mortality rates globally.
In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed years of progress against the pathology. It is estimated that in 2021, 10.6 million people fell ill with tuberculosis and 1.6 million died from this cause, while in the region, deaths were 32,000.
BCG is the acronym for Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin. The vaccine was created on July 1, 1921 by Léon Calmette and Alphonse Guérin, who gave rise to its name.
This vaccine protects against severe forms of the disease, such as tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis (spread throughout the body through the bloodstream). But it must be taken into account that it does not prevent primary tuberculous infection or lung disease.
BCG can be given in premature babies from 32 weeks and weighing more than 1,500 grams, while the limit age for applying this vaccine in unvaccinated children is up to 6 years. BCG revaccination did not demonstrate additional protection and is not recommended.
The main symptoms of tuberculosis are: cough; expectoration sometimes with blood; decay; fever; night sweats; shaking chills; fatigue; discomfort; loss of appetite and weight loss.
