[Lymphadenitis as a complication following vaccination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)]

Abstract

A healthy 14-months-old boy developed suppurative adenitis some weeks after Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccination. The tumour grew rapidly, showed fluctuation and eventually incision was needed. Culture of the abscess was negative. The diagnosis was: regional lymphadenitis after BCG vaccination. This suppurative lymphadenitis is a non-serious complication of BCG vaccination and has been reported in 0.1 to 4% of those vaccinated. As the BCG vaccination is given only to the at-risk population in the Netherlands, BCG complications are rare. Non-suppurative nodal swellings are considered a normal post-vaccination reaction and do not require treatment.