17 Apr 2025 • An updated meta-analysis found that the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine reduced the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by 18% in children (RR: 0.82), as measured by interferon-gamma release assays.

The protective effect was more pronounced in low-TB incidence settings, offering a 29% risk reduction (RR: 0.71), but showed no significant benefit in high-incidence regions (RR: 0.95).

 These findings, based on 32 studies involving over 8,200 children, suggest that while BCG offers moderate protection, especially where TB burden is lower, its role in high-transmission areas may require re-evaluation.

Source: IJID | Read Full Story