Peer-reviewed article
BCG Vaccine Induced Tubercular Lymphadenitis in a 5 Month Old Infant - A Case Report
Mohit Chander, Ritu ., Dennis Mattu, Rohan Mohandas ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This is a case report of a 5-month-old boy who developed lymphadenitis (swollen lymph nodes) linked to the BCG tuberculosis vaccine. He had swelling on the left arm near the deltoid and in the left armpit for 3 months, plus a discharging sinus on the neck and fever for 2 months. The report notes that the BCG vaccine is generally safe, but that rarer serious reactions such as regional lymphadenitis, osteitis and disseminated infection can occur, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Key points
- BCG vaccine contains live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis and was first used in humans in 1921.
- Mild reactions such as pain, redness and swelling at the injection site are relatively common.
- Less common serious reactions include regional lymphadenitis, BCG-related osteitis and disseminated BCG infection.
- The infant, aged 5 months, had swelling near the left deltoid and left axilla for 3 months.
- He also had a discharging sinus on the neck and fever for 2 months.
Limitations
Only the abstract is available, so the diagnosis, treatment, outcome and country are not described. A single case cannot show how common this reaction is or establish general guidance.
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. The Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, composed of live attenuated Mycobacterium Bovis, was first introduced for human use in 1921 to protect against tuberculosis. While the vaccine is considered safe, mild adverse effects such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site are relatively common. Less commonly recognized, but potentially more serious, adverse reactions include regional lymphadenitis, BCG-related osteitis, and disseminated BCG infection, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. This case report of BCG induced lymphadenitis in a 5- month-old male presented with swelling on left arm near deltoid region and left axillary area from 3 months along with discharging sinus present on neck and fever from 2 months.