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Review
. 2004 Mar-Apr;80(2):93-8.

[Percutaneous or intradermal BCG vaccine?]

[Article in Portuguese]
Lucia F Bricks  1
Affiliations
  • PMID: 15079177
Review

[Percutaneous or intradermal BCG vaccine?]

[Article in Portuguese]
Lucia F Bricks. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the intradermal and percutaneous routes of BCG administration.

Sources of data: A review of the literature published between 1987 and 2002 was carried out in the MEDLINE and Lilacs databases. The following key words were used: BCG vaccine/administration, adverse effects, efficacy, tuberculosis/prevention and control. Some articles published before 1987 were included because of their relevance to the topic.

Summary of the findings: There are no clinical studies comparing the efficacy of intradermal and percutaneous BCG. Percutaneous BCG causes a weaker reaction, however it is also less efficient in stimulating gamma-interferon production by Th1-lymphocytes, which is considered as the best marker of the anti-tuberculin immune response.

Conclusions: In vivo and in vitro studies suggest a better immune response with intradermal BCG. The intradermal method should be recommended for BCG administration.

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