Indian Pediatrics - Editorial

Correspondence

Indian Pediatrics 2007; 44:868

Tuberculosis Infection in BCG Vaccinated Children

1. A good number of BCG vaccinated children do not develop a scar. In Kerala, BCG coverage is above 95%. But in the present study(1), only 59% of children have a BCG scar. This clearly shows that the BCG scar alone, to identify the vaccinated children, is an irrational and misleading criteria. This study ideally should have been conducted as a prospective study(2,3).

2. Tuberculin induration measured, should be interpreted without any prejudice, whether the children are vaccinated or not. But this study probably brings out that the interpretation of Tuberculin induration differentially in vaccinated and unvaccinated children is baseless.

V.M. Kartha,
Consultant Pediatrician,
Geepee Clinic,
Perumbavoor,
Kerala, India.
E-mail: [email protected]

REFERENCES

1. Pulickal AS, Fernandez GVJ. Comparison of the Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection in BCG Vaccinated versus Non-Vaccinated School Age Children. Indian Pediatr 2007; 44: 344-347.

2. Nutrition Subcommittee of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Classification of Protein Energy Malnutrition. Indian Pediatr 1972; 9:360.

3. Singh MC, Badole CM, Singh MP. Immunization coverage and the knowledge and practice of mothers regarding immunization in rural area. Indian J Public Health.1994; 38:103-107.