The History of TB Vaccination: From BCG to Modern Developments ( Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay ) Tuberculosis (TB) has been a major gl...
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| The History of TB Vaccination: From BCG to Modern Developments (Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay) |
Tuberculosis (TB) has been a major global health concern for centuries, causing millions of deaths and illnesses worldwide. The development of a vaccine to combat this infectious disease has been a long and challenging process. This article explores the history of TB vaccination, from the introduction of the Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine in 1921 to modern developments in TB vaccine research.
The BCG Vaccine
The BCG vaccine, developed by French scientists Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin, was first administered to a human in 1921[5]. This vaccine was designed to protect against tuberculosis of the lungs, which was a leading cause of death in the early 1900s[5]. The BCG vaccine is currently the only licensed vaccine for TB and provides moderate protection against severe forms of the disease in infants and young children[2]. It has been widely used in national vaccination programs in countries with a high burden of TB[1].
The BCG vaccine is not effective in preventing TB disease in adults, either before or after exposure to TB infection[2]. It also does not protect children from pulmonary disease caused by TB bacteria or prevent latent TB infection from progressing to active disease[1]. However, the BCG vaccine has played a vital role in saving many young lives and preventing serious illnesses, such as TB meningitis, in children[2].
The Need for a More Effective Vaccine
Despite the success of the BCG vaccine in reducing the number of TB cases, the disease still remains a significant global health threat. In 2014, 9.6 million people became ill with TB, and about 1.5 million people, including 140,000 children, died from the disease[1]. About one-third of the world's population has latent TB infection[1]. Therefore, there is a need for a more effective TB vaccine that can prevent infection with the disease, reduce the global burden of TB, and decrease the transmission of TB bacteria[1].
Modern Developments in TB Vaccine Research
In recent years, many researchers have been working on developing new and more effective TB vaccines. One of the most promising candidates is the genetically modified BCG-based vaccine VPM1002, which has become the frontrunner among viable TB vaccine candidates[4]. This next-generation BCG vaccine aims to provide better protection against TB and is currently in clinical trials[4].
Other approaches to TB vaccine development include virus-vectored vaccines and recombinant M. tuberculosis and BCG[4]. These new strategies, combined with the increased investments in TB vaccine research and development, offer hope for the future of TB control[2].
The Role of Equitable Distribution
As with any vaccine, the equitable distribution of TB vaccines is crucial in ensuring that everyone has access to this life-saving intervention. The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, along with the COVAX Facility, can enable equitable distribution of vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics globally[2]. Therefore, it is essential to demand that leaders and vaccine manufacturers ramp up production and ensure the equitable distribution of TB vaccines[2].
Conclusion
The history of TB vaccination has seen significant advancements, from the introduction of the BCG vaccine in 1921 to the development of new and more effective TB vaccine candidates in recent years. While the BCG vaccine has played a vital role in saving many lives, there is still a need for a more effective TB vaccine that can prevent infection with the disease and reduce the global burden of TB. With increased investments in TB vaccine research and development, combined with equitable distribution strategies, we can hope to see a future where TB is no longer a major global health threat.
Citations:
[1] https://historyofvaccines.org/diseases/tuberculosis/
[2] https://www.who.int/news/item/16-07-2021-investing-in-new-tb-vaccines
[3] https://www.pasteur.fr/en/research-journal/news/bcg-vaccine-first-tuberculosis-vaccination-took-place-century-ago
[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.750124
[5] https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/bcg-vaccine-history-modern-uses-tuberculosis/
[6] https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanwpc/PIIS2666-6065(23)00088-3.pdf
