Why is BCG given in leprosy?

The bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, initially developed to provide protection against TB, also protects against leprosy; and the magnitude of this effect varies.

Can BCG prevent leprosy?

Although BCG is used as a vaccine against tuberculosis, it also protects against leprosy.

What is the use of BCG?

BCG, or bacille Calmette-Guerin, is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) disease. Many foreign-born persons have been BCG-vaccinated. BCG is used in many countries with a high prevalence of TB to prevent childhood tuberculous meningitis and miliary disease.

What is the difference between tuberculosis and leprosy?

TB and leprosy are both chronic infections, but they are very different diseases (Table 1). Mycobacterium tuberculosis is cultivable; Myco- bacterium leprae is not. M leprae infects peripheral nerves; M tuberculosis does not.

Are TB and leprosy related?

In addition, postmortem studies had previously documented the high incidence of TB as the cause of death in leprosy patients. Overall, these studies suggested that leprosy, especially the anergic form, predispose to TB. In fact, the interaction between both diseases dates from ancient times.

Is leprosy a type of tuberculosis?

Where is BCG given?

BCG vaccination is given as an injection into the left upper arm. The vaccination usually leaves a small scar.

Why is BCG given once?

The BCG vaccine (which stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine) is not given as part of the routine NHS vaccination schedule. It’s given on the NHS only when a child or adult is thought to have an increased risk of coming into contact with TB. The BCG vaccine should only be given once in a lifetime.

What is the vaccine for leprosy?

Various countries around the world, namely India and Brazil, currently use the Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine for tuberculosis to double as a leprosy vaccine, as the two diseases are caused by similar mycobacterial agents.