Tuberculosis, Lung Health and Respiratory Diseases

TB Vaccines

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the primary tuberculosis vaccine, providing protection against severe forms of the disease, especially in children. Treatment involves multi-drug regimens for 6 to 9 months, including first-line anti-TB agents like isoniazid, pyrazinamide, rifampin, ethambutol, and streptomycin.

TB vaccines aim to prevent tuberculosis infection or disease progression. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the only licensed TB vaccine, primarily administered to infants in high-burden areas. While it protects against severe forms of childhood TB, its efficacy against adult pulmonary TB varies. Ongoing research focuses on developing novel TB vaccines with improved efficacy and durability. Strategies include subunit vaccines targeting specific TB antigens, viral vectors, and recombinant BCG strains. Clinical trials assess vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy, aiming to advance promising candidates towards licensure. Successful TB vaccination could significantly contribute to global TB control efforts, reducing disease burden and transmission.