BCGvaktsiiniga

BCGvaktsiiniga refers to the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. It is a vaccine primarily used for the prevention of tuberculosis. The BCG vaccine is derived from Mycobacterium bovis, a bacterium that is closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen that causes tuberculosis in humans. The attenuation of M. bovis weakens it to the point that it can stimulate an immune response without causing disease in healthy individuals.

The BCG vaccine is typically administered intradermally, meaning it is injected into the top layers of the skin, usually in the upper arm. Its effectiveness can vary depending on geographical location and the specific strain of BCG used. In many parts of the world where tuberculosis is prevalent, BCG vaccination is a routine part of infant immunization schedules. It is particularly effective in preventing severe forms of childhood tuberculosis, such as disseminated tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis.

The use of BCG vaccination in adults for the prevention of pulmonary tuberculosis is generally less consistent, with varying recommendations across different countries. However, BCG is also used as an immunotherapy for certain types of bladder cancer, specifically non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In this context, it is instilled directly into the bladder to stimulate an immune response against cancer cells. Side effects from BCG vaccination are usually mild and localized, such as a small scar at the injection site, redness, or swelling. More serious side effects are rare but can include fever, lymph node enlargement, or disseminated BCG infection, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.