BCG Vaccine South Africa: Understanding Risks, Benefits, and HIV Impact
BCG Vaccine in South Africa: A Balancing Act The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a cornerstone of tuberculosis (TB) prevention globally, offering significant protection against severe forms of the disease. In South Africa, however, the high prevalence of HIV introduces a critical layer of complexity. While the BCG vaccine protects against TB in HIV-negative infants, it carries a small but significant risk of disseminated BCG (dBCG), a severe complication potentially fatal to HIV-positive infants....