DOES BCG VACCINE PREVENT TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS

The reported efficacy of BCG vaccine in preventing pulmonary tuberculo sis varies from 0-80%; however, its efficacy in preventing tuberculous meningitis ranges from 52%-84%. A case-control study was conducted to assess the efficacy of BCG in preventing tuberculous meningitis in ch ildren. New cases of tuberculous meningitis, confirmed bacteriological ly, were registered as cases. Controls were children suffering from fe brile convulsions attending the same hospital. A total of 107 cases an d 321 controls, block matched for age, were registered. Vaccination st atus was determined from the history reported by the mother and by BCG scar reading. Data regarding socioeconomic status, crowding, and nutr itional status were collected. Using multiple logistic regression anal ysis the odds ratio obtained for the presence of ECG scar was 0.23 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.37) and the protective efficacy o f BCG vaccine in preventing tuberculous meningitis in children was fou nd to be 77% (95% CI 71 to 83%).