What is BCG?
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?
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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