Can colony-forming unit testing be used to extend the shelf life of BCG vaccines?

Tuberculosis
Nicole L MessinaNigel Curtis

Abstract

A recent shortage in supply of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the live attenuated vaccine given to protect against tuberculosis (TB) caused major disruption to global vaccination programs. In this study, we assessed whether quantification of viable bacteria, could be used to inform the use of the BCG vaccine beyond its manufacturer-assigned expiration date. The viability of a single batch of BCG-Denmark was tested in three independent laboratories. There was high inter-vial and inter-laboratory variability in viability counts, however all three laboratories detected a decrease in BCG viability over time. Despite this, there was no difference in the rate of BCG scar formation in infants who were vaccinated with this batch of BCG before and after its manufacturer-assigned expiration date. This study demonstrates the potential for using BCG viability counts to guide the use of BCG vaccine beyond the manufacturer-assigned expiration date.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
J A SterneI N Guedes
Canadian Respiratory Journal : Journal of the Canadian Thoracic Society
Nick R Anthonisen
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
Stefan H E Kaufmann
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved