Adverse reaction to Bacille-Calmette-Guérin vaccine in a HIV positive healthcare worker.

BACKGROUND

The Bacille-Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is used in Mycobacterium tuberculosis prophylaxis in at risk tuberculin-negative healthcare workers. Its use is contraindicated however in individuals with HIV infection.

AIMS: We herein highlight the case of a healthcare worker who developed a localised reaction at a BCG vaccination site and who was subsequently found to be HIV positive.

CONCLUSION

This case emphasises the importance of eliciting risk factors for immunocompromise in individuals for whom BCG vaccination is being considered.