Current status of Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) immunisation in Europe - A ptbnet survey and review of current guidelines

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) and the use of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines differ significantly worldwide. Information regarding recent changes in BCG use and immunisation policies is difficult to access. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically collect up-to-date data on the use of BCG in Europe. METHODS: A web-based survey of members of the Paediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials group (ptbnet) and Tuberculosis Network European Trials group (TBnet) was conducted between October 2012 and May 2013. RESULTS: A total of 89 individuals from 31 European countries participated. Participants from 27/31 (87%) countries reported to have a national BCG immunisat..