Exploring the Limitations

of BCG Vaccine

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the only vaccine currently

available for tuberculosis (TB) prevention.
Although effective in some populations, the vaccine's efficacy varies and is
dependent on various factors.
In this presentation, we will explore the limitations of the BCG vaccine and
emerging strategies to enhance its efficacy.
Background on BCG Vaccine
• First developed in 1921 and has been in use since the 1950s.
• Derived from a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis.
• Primarily used as a preventative measure against TB, although studies have
shown it can be partially effective against leprosy and various types of cancer.
Factors Influencing the Success of BCG
Vaccine and Alternative Approaches
Location and Population Dosage and Timing Adjuvants

The BCG vaccine's efficacy is Adjuvants are substances

The success of BCG
vaccination varies based on
location and can be influenced
by factors such as the
prevalence of diseases and
lifestyle habits. Alternative
approaches to vaccination
must take these factors into
account.
dependent on the dosage and
timing of the vaccination.
Optimal vaccination strategies
must be tailored to the
specific population receiving
the vaccine.
added to vaccines to enhance
the immune system's
response. The development of
effective adjuvants for TB
vaccines could improve
vaccine efficacy and minimize
the need for booster
vaccinations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Various
BCG Vaccine Strategies
Intravenous Administration

Intravenous administration of the BCG vaccine

results in efficient immune response induction.
However, it's not practical to administer to the
entire population due to cost and logistics.

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Intradermal Vaccination Recombinant BCG

Intradermal vaccination has been shown to have
similar efficacy to the traditional BCG vaccine
but requires significantly less vaccine. Its
disadvantage is that it takes more time and trained
personnel to administer.
Recombinant BCG has the potential to be
customized to generate a more efficient immune
response and tailored to specific populations.
However, the development process can be
expensive and time-consuming.
Emerging Strategies to Enhance BCG Vaccine
Efficacy
Combination Vaccination
Combining BCG with other
vaccines has the potential to
increase the efficiency of TB
prevention. A study found that
combining BCG and the pertussis
vaccine increased protection
against TB in animal models.
Live-Attenuated
Mycobacterium
Live-attenuated mycobacterium is
genetically modified to be less
virulent and is being researched as
an alternative to BCG vaccines. In
animal models, the vaccine was
shown to be more effective than
the traditional BCG vaccine.
Host-Directed Therapies
Host-directed therapies aim to
alter the host's immune response
to TB instead of altering the TB
bacterium. Research is being
conducted to identify new
candidate therapies that can be
utilized in conjunction with
vaccination, potentially increasing
vaccine efficacy.
New Vaccine Candidates in Clinical Trials

Whole-Cell Mycobacterial Subunit Vaccines Viral Vectors

Vaccines
Subunit vaccines utilize small, Viral vectors are engineered
carefully selected components of viruses that can deliver genetic
Whole-cell mycobacterial
mycobacterium to generate a material into a host cell. Several
vaccines are known to induce
specific and targeted immune new viral vector-based vaccines
robust immune responses in both
response. Multiple subunit are currently in clinical trials for
humans and animals. Researchers
vaccines targeting TB are TB.
are currently investigating new
currently in various stages of
whole-cell mycobacterial vaccines
clinical trials.
as a potential alternative to BCG.
Conclusion and Future
Directions for TB Prevention

• Despite the limitations of the BCG vaccine, emerging strategies to enhance its
efficacy and new vaccine candidates in clinical trials highlight the promising
future of TB prevention.
• As research continues, we can work towards reducing the global burden of TB
and developing more effective vaccination strategies.