BCG is a live-attenuated antibacterial vaccine that protects against severe forms of tuberculosis in infants and young children. Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body, including the bones, joints and brain. The letters, B, C and G stand for Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin.

Bacillus describes the rod shape of the tuberculosis bacteria; Calmette and Guerin are the names of the people who developed the vaccine.

What does a live-attenuated antibacterial vaccine mean?

Show answer

Bacteria in the vaccine are alive, but they have been weakened (attenuated) in the laboratory so that they cannot cause the disease.

Last modified: Tuesday, 27 May 2014, 7:37 PM