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Protective efficacy of BCG vaccine against leprosy in southern Malaŵi

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

D. M. Baker ,
J. S. Nguyen-Van-Tam  and
S. J. Smith
D. M. Baker
Affiliation:
Departments of Surgery, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH
J. S. Nguyen-Van-Tam*
Affiliation:
Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH.
S. J. Smith
Affiliation:
Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH.
*
* Author for correspondence.
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Summary

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This paper describes a matched case-control study to determine the efficacy of BCG vaccine in preventing the occurrence of leprosy in southern Malaŵi, a previously unstudied area. The BCG immunization rate amongst 145 individuals with leprosy was 44.8%, compared to 62.5% in 290 matched controls. The protective efficacy of BCG vaccine against leprosy in this region was estimated to be 63.6%; smallpox immunization had no effect. These findings support the view that BCG vaccine should be considered as a control measure in areas where leprosy is endemic.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 111 , Issue 1 , August 1993 , pp. 21 - 25
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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