Dr. Mustafa K secik and colleagues, from the Harran University, Sanliurfa, evaluated 1398 school children between the ages of 6 and 9 years for evidence of tuberculosis infection using the tuberculin test. The test was performed using 5 tuberculin units of the purified protein derivative given intradermally and reaction noted after 48 to 72 hours.

A skin induration of at least 15 mm in BCG-vaccinated children and at least 10 mm in unvaccinated children was considered positive and indicated tuberculosis infection, they note.

Based on the skin scar, only 710 (50.8%) children had been administered BCG vaccine in early infancy, the researchers observed.

Thirty-two (4.5%) vaccinated children and 45 (6.5%) non-vaccinated children were found to be tuberculin-positive, the researchers report. However, none of these children had active tuberculosis lesions. The researchers also noted that tuberculin-negative rates (0 to 9 mm) were 85.6% and 93.5% in vaccinated and non-vaccinated children, respectively.

There was no significant difference between vaccinated and non-vaccinated children as regards their tuberculin reactivity, the researchers explain. Thus, "BCG vaccine has no protective effect against tuberculosis infection," Dr. K secik and colleagues write. However, it can prevent the severe manifestations of the disease, they add.

"Routine BCG vaccination of infants has been somewhat neglected in our country," the team writes. "BCG vaccine should be administrated more effectively as a method of prevention of tuberculosis on a community basis," they conclude.

Indian Pediatr 2002;39:362-365.