Tuberculosis and role of BCG vaccine in disease control

Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2023, 17(2), 7-13.

T. Petkova

Department of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Pleven

Abstract. Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection that, depending on the state of the immune defense of the macroorganism, remains asymptomatic or progresses to a clinically manifested disease. Currently, the spread of tuberculosis is closely related to socio-economic living conditions and the state of the health systems in different countries. Implementation of an effective vaccination strategy is one of the priority areas of tuberculosis prevention and control programs in many countries around the world. In this review, the role of Bulgaria in the organization of the tuberculosis control and its pioneering role in introducing BCG vaccination the first in the world, together with Hong Kong are presented. Data on the incidence of tuberculosis in European countries were analyzed and a comparative review of BCG vaccination recommendations in Europe was made. New directions in the development of the next generation of more effective tuberculosis vaccines are presented.

Key words: tuberculosis, BCG vaccine, epidemic control

Address for correspondence: Assoc. Prof. Tania Petkova, PhD, e-mail: tanja_1973@abv.bg