| Tuberculosis - BCG . |
Vaccination is generally recommended for tuberculin-negative children under the
age of 5 years who will be living in developing countries for more than 3
months. There is less evidence of the benefit of vaccination in older children
and adults, although consideration should be given to vaccination of
tuberculin-negative children under 16 years of age who may be living for long
periods in high-risk countries (defined as having an incidence ≥100 per 100 000
population). See Part 3.25,
‘Tuberculosis’.
( p 48.
Australian Immunisation
Handbook, 8th Edition 9/2003)
The incidence in S.E. Asia is 300 times that in Australia. As there is increasing drug resistance to Tuberculosis throughout the world, many authorities now believe BCG vaccination should be more widely used. Although protection from clinical disease is only 50% overall, it seems to be more protective against disseminated TB and Tuberculosis meningitis. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, recommends BCG for any child going to a region of high prevalence for more than 6 weeks. (ref JAMA Paediatrics 95,96)
As an alternative the traveller could have a tuberculin
skin test (10 units should produce less than 5 mm reaction) before departure and 1 month
after return to document if conversion of the test has taken place (CDC 96/97). BCG also
confers some protection against Leprosy.
See also :
DHS information: www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/tb_community.htm .. copy pdf
Tuberculosis Program, Victoria, Telephone: (61
3) 9637 4115.
(will provide information, recommendation and nearest clinic for mantoux
test or BCG)
Overseas information: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/Index.htm
WHO year book: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2005/9241580364_chap6.pdf (p29 of 45) copy