Scientists probe how to best use standard TB vaccine

Washington, June 14 (ANI): In a new study, researchers at Saint Louis University's Centre for Vaccine Development are trying to figure out whether the "standard" tuberculosis vaccine used in foreign countries offers better protection as a shot, drink or combination of both.

The "standard" tuberculosis vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is given to infants in foreign countries, and is not currently recommended for use in the U.S.

"The fight against tuberculosis is important because a third of the world is thought to be infected and there are significant problems with drug-resistant TB organisms," said Dr. Daniel Hoft, principal investigator of the study.

He added: "Experts believe it provides some protection against TB disease, particularly in children where severe manifestations of TB are averted. However, despite widespread use of BCG, TB remains a major cause of death worldwide. The main purpose of this study is to find out if BCG can be used in a more effective way.

"We hope to learn whether a BCG vaccine drink or a combination of a drink and an injection could increase immune responses against tuberculosis lung infection and affect the progression of the disease as it spreads throughout the body."

The study will also look at whether it is better to give one or two doses of the BCG vaccine.

The research, which would require a total of 70 healthy volunteers who are 18 to 40 years old, will last about two years and requires up to 21 scheduled visits.

Each visit takes between 30 minutes and three hours, depending upon the procedures being performed.

Study participants will be compensated for their time and travel after each completed visit. (ANI)