A major discovery may lead to the “near-total protection” against tuberculosis (TB) in the coming decades, scientists have claimed. Currently, we know that the vaccination affords 50 to 80 per cent protection against different types of TB infections.
According to the report, published by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (Niaid) and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, injecting the BCG TB vaccination directly into the bloodstream could “save lives worldwide”.
The study shows that by delivering the vaccine directly to the bloodstream, test subjects were more protected than those which received the injection via traditional methods. There are however good reasons why the intradermal route has always been the method of immunisation and much research lies ahead before we move to this method.
TB is a serious infection which damages the lungs, as well as the bones, joints and kidneys and can also cause meningitis, killing 1.5 million people in 2018 alone.
While the new form of treatment is unlikely to be available in the near future, the BCG vaccination is still effective in preventing the spread of infection in people under the age of 35.
If you are planning on travelling to or working in a high-risk TB environment, the BCG vaccination is strongly recommended. TB vaccination is its most effective when administered to babies soon after birth.
High-risk countries include:
- Africa – particularly sub-Saharan Africa (all the African countries south of the Sahara desert) and west Africa, including Nigeria and South Africa. Southeast Asia – including India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh
- Russia
- China
- South America
- The western Pacific region (to the west of the Pacific Ocean) – including Vietnam and Cambodia
For information, advice and treatment, please get in touch with our experienced team today.
