The sensitivity of BCG scar as an indicator of previous vaccination among Sudanese infants.

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) is the current vaccine for tuberculosis. The absence or presence of a scar is used as an indicator of previous vaccination.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the sensitivity of the BCG scar as an indicator of previous vaccination.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive hospital based study of 100 infants attending two centres for routine vaccination and weight checks. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences.

RESULTS

We surveyed 100 infants, the BCG scar was present in 83%, the average size of the BCG scar was found to be 3mm.

CONCLUSION

The BCG scar is a sensitive indicator of previous vaccination after the administration of the vaccine in the first month of life.