Study: Impacts of COVID-19 lowered due to BCG Vaccination
Researchers of biomedical sciences of New York Institute of Technology say that the countries such as Netherlands, Italy and United States are more severely affected than countries with BCG policies. The Bacilus Calmette-Guerin vaccine that had been administered in India to protect the children against Tuberculosis, according to the study might be a game changer.
Key Highlights of the Study
Iran, according to the study started BCG programme late in 1984, had elevated mortality rate. Brazil on the other hand that began the programme early had lower mortality rate. Around 180 countries were studied. Out of these 157 are currently using BCG programme. Several European countries that have higher mortality rates have dropped the programme between 1963 and 2010.
BCG Vaccine
The vaccine is a part of universal immunization programme. The vaccine is a live weakened form of mycobacterium bovis that causes TB in cattle. The bacteria that causes TB in humans is mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Immunization Programme
India has the highest burden of TB in the world. The BCG programme was introduced in 1948 in the country. The BCG had already proved its effectiveness against SARS infection.
India’s opinion in the study
India believes that more scientific details are required to confirm the study and create an action plan based on these findings. However, Australia has already stepped into the research on the success of BCG vaccination against COVID-19
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Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020