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March 23, 2024
The Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine, a century-old immunization tool, continues to stand as a crucial defense against tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents worldwide, as highlighted by experts in the field.
The Persistent Threat of Tuberculosis in Children
Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of humanity’s oldest scourges. Particularly vulnerable are children, who can contract the disease through close contact with infected individuals. Alarmingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 million children under 15 years of age fall ill with TB annually, with a significant portion going undiagnosed or unreported.
Recognizing Symptoms and Risk Factors
Lokesh Mahajan, HOD and Senior Consultant in Neonatology & Pediatrics at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, emphasized the diverse manifestations of TB in children. “Children with tuberculosis may initially present with fever, which can escalate to a high grade,” he explained. “Certain groups, such as children under four years old, adolescents in puberty, and those with weakened immune systems, including HIV-infected individuals, are at heightened risk of TB infection.”
The Role of BCG Vaccination
Doctors emphasize the pivotal role of the BCG vaccine in preventing tuberculosis, particularly in infants and young children. “This vaccine is instrumental in warding off severe forms of TB, including CNS tuberculosis and extrapulmonary TB, prevalent in children under two years old,” Lokesh stated. He added that catch-up vaccinations can be administered up to the age of five for those who missed the birth dose.
Strengthening Immune Response and Preventing Transmission
Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care & Pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, underscored the importance of neonatal BCG vaccination in bolstering immune defenses against TB. “This vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe TB complications such as miliary TB and tuberculous meningitis, which pose grave threats to infants and young children,” he noted. By enhancing immunity and curtailing TB transmission, BCG vaccination serves as a cornerstone in protecting this vulnerable population.
Screening and Prevention Strategies
Experts emphasized the importance of minimizing children’s exposure to TB-infected individuals. However, in cases of potential exposure, timely screening for TB is paramount. “Children who have had contact with TB patients should undergo screening to promptly identify and manage any potential infections,” the experts advised.
Conclusion: Sustaining the Fight Against TB
As the global community continues its battle against tuberculosis, the enduring efficacy of the BCG vaccine serves as a beacon of hope. Through comprehensive vaccination strategies and proactive screening measures, stakeholders strive to safeguard the health and well-being of children worldwide, inching closer towards a TB-free future.
The legacy of the BCG vaccine endures as a potent weapon in the ongoing fight against tuberculosis, underscoring the collective commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from this persistent threat.
