1
|
Juste RA, Vrotsou K, Mateo-Abad M, Gutiérrez-Stampa MA, Rotaeche R, Vergara I, Bujanda L. Non-specific protection against severe COVID-19 associated to typhoid fever and DTP vaccination. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29935. [PMID: 38707311 PMCID: PMC11068531 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Trained immunity (TRAIM) or the enhanced non-specific immune response after primary stimulation by infection or vaccination is a recent but well-recognized concept. To verify its predictions, our objective was to determine the effects of two bacterial vaccines, typhoid fever (TFV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) on the infection, hospitalization and death frequencies associated to COVID-19 in a retrospective study on subjects vaccinated or not with TFV and DTP in the 4 years prior to the start of COVID-19 pandemia in the Basque Country (Spain). The studied outcome records were split into two periods according to COVID-19 vaccination, the pre-vaccination (ACV) from March to December 2020 and the post-vaccination (PCV) from September 2021 to June 2022). In total, 13,673 subjects were vaccinated against TFV and 42,997 against DTP. A total of 2,005,084 individual records were studied in the ACV period and 1,436,693 in the PCV period. The proportion of infection, hospitalization and death associated to COVID-19 among controls in ACV was 4.97 %, 7.14 % and 3.54 %, respectively vs. 7.20 %, 2.24 % and 0.10 % among TFV subjects. Regarding DTP, the proportions were 4.97 %, 7.12 % and 3.58 % for controls and 5.79 %, 5.79 % and 0.80 % for vaccinees. In the PCV period, the proportion of infection, hospitalization and death among controls was 21.89 %, 2.62 % and 0.92 %, respectively vs. 31.19 %, 0.76 %, 0.00 % among TFV. For DTP, infection, hospitalization and death proportions were 21.89 %, 2.62 % and 0.92 %, respectively, among controls vs. 32.03 %, 1.85 % and 0.24 % among vaccinated subjects. The corresponding combined ACV and PCV odds ratios (OR) for SARS-CoV2 infection were 1.505 (95%CI 1.455-1.558; p < 0.0001; reduction -41.85 %) and 1.633 (95%CI 1.603-1.662; p < 0.0001; reduction -51.74 %), for TFV and DTP, respectively. Regarding COVID-19 associated hospitalization, the OR were 0.295 (95%CI 0.220-0.396; p = 0.0001; reduction 69.74 %) and 0.667 (95%CI 0.601-0.741; p = 0.0001; reduction 32.44 %), for TFV and DTP, respectively). COVID-19 associated death OR were 0.016 (95%CI 0.002-0.113, p < 0.0001; reduction 98.38 %) and 0.212 (95%CI 0.161-0.280; p = 0.0001; reduction 78.52 %), for TFV and DTP, respectively. We conclude that TRAIM effects by TFV and DTP vaccination in the four years prior to the pandemic SARS-CoV2 were supported by slightly increased infection rates, but strongly reduced COVID-19 associated hospitalization and death rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramon A. Juste
- NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, E-48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Kalliopi Vrotsou
- Osakidetza Health Care Directorate, PC-IHO Research Unit of Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, P° Dr. Beguiristain, s/n 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Primary Care Group, Biogipuzkoa Institute for Health Research, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS) , Spain
| | - Maider Mateo-Abad
- Primary Care Group, Biogipuzkoa Institute for Health Research, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS) , Spain
| | - Maria A. Gutiérrez-Stampa
- Primary Care Group, Biogipuzkoa Institute for Health Research, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS) , Spain
- Altza Primary Care Health Center, Donostialdea IHO, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Rafael Rotaeche
- Osakidetza Health Care Directorate, PC-IHO Research Unit of Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, P° Dr. Beguiristain, s/n 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Primary Care Group, Biogipuzkoa Institute for Health Research, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS) , Spain
- Altza Primary Care Health Center, Donostialdea IHO, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Itziar Vergara
- Osakidetza Health Care Directorate, PC-IHO Research Unit of Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, P° Dr. Beguiristain, s/n 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Primary Care Group, Biogipuzkoa Institute for Health Research, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS) , Spain
| | - Luis Bujanda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
da Costa CG, Jalalizadeh M, Yadollahvandmiandoab R, Buosi K, Reis LO. Effect of BCG on Respiratory Complications Caused by COVID-19: A Scoping Review. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:8727-8741. [PMID: 36601650 PMCID: PMC9807169 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s393861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been shown to have protective effects against respiratory viruses. We conducted a scoping review of the literature to clarify the available evidence regarding the effect of BCG therapy in preventing respiratory complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science for related studies up to October 2022. Results In total, 35 publications and trials were included. One animal study, two observational studies, and six finalized trials measured the effect of BCG administration on respiratory complications of COVID-19. The remaining publications included eight unfinished trials, 12 ecological studies, and six observational studies that did not directly measure respiratory complications but assessed overall mortality of the disease and were included as an adjunct to our study. All trials involved vaccinating adults to protect them against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and measured respiratory symptoms or the need for intensive respiratory support as the primary or secondary aim of the study. One trial that exclusively included at-risk adults between 18 and 60 years old showed a decreased chance of respiratory complications as the secondary outcome of the study. Another trial that exclusively evaluated this effect on the elderly (60 years and older) as the primary aim of the study reported no protective effect against respiratory complications. The remaining literature provided mostly inconclusive evidence. Conclusion The majority of the literature on the protective effect of BCG against respiratory complications of COVID-19 is inconclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehrsa Jalalizadeh
- Department of UroScience, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Reza Yadollahvandmiandoab
- Department of UroScience, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Keini Buosi
- Department of UroScience, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo O Reis
- Department of UroScience, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil,Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, PUC, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil,Correspondence: Leonardo O Reis, Department of UroScience, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, Tel +55 19 35217481, Email
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sanduzzi Zamparelli S, Mormile M, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Guarino A, Parrella R, Bocchino M. Clinical impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2022; 30:495-500. [PMID: 36482953 PMCID: PMC9715002 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of diseases suffered from a limited access to health care services, owing to the use of resources, both technical and financial, mainly directed towards such a dramatic outbreak. Among these, tuberculosis (TB) has been one of the most penalized, with a huge delay both in diagnosis and in start of treatment, with a consequential dramatic increase in morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 and tuberculosis share similar common pathogenetic pathways, and both diseases affect primarily the lungs. About the impact of TB on COVID-19 severity and mortality, data are unclear and literature reports are often conflicting. Certainly, considering the management of coinfected patients, there are pharmacokinetic interactions between several drugs used for the therapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the treatment of TB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauro Mormile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University Federico II, Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Naples,
Italy
| | - Alessandro Sanduzzi Zamparelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University Federico II, Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Naples,
Italy
| | - Amedeo Guarino
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples
Italy
| | - Roberto Parrella
- COVID Unit D, Department of infectious Disease, Cotugno Hospital, A.O.R.N. dei Colli, Naples
Italy
| | - Marialuisa Bocchino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University Federico II, Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Naples,
Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Obnial JC, Suzuki M, Escuadra CJ, Austria JT, Ponce MJM, Cunanan E. Effectiveness of Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination policies in reducing infection and mortality of COVID-19: a systematic review. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:42. [PMID: 36336688 PMCID: PMC9638327 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00275-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccination has been advocated as the most effective way to curb the pandemic. But with its inequitable distribution and slow rollout, especially in low- to middle- income countries, it will still take a long time before herd immunity is achieved. Alternative measures must therefore be explored to bolster current COVID-19 vaccination efforts. In particular, the Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine has been studied extensively as to its proposed conferment of non-specific immunity against different infections, including COVID-19. The aim of this study, therefore, is to evaluate the current evidence on the effectiveness of national BCG vaccination policies in reducing infection and mortality of COVID-19. METHODS A systematic review was conducted between April to August 2021 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane, HERDIN, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Western Pacific Region Index Medicus (WPRIM). Studies conducted from January 2020 to August 2021 that fell within Level 1A to 2C of the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine were included in the review. Quality assessment was performed using the appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool and a quality assessment checklist for ecological studies adapted from Betran et al. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included in this review. Nine studies reported significant association between BCG vaccination policies and COVID-19 outcomes, even when controlling for confounding variables. In addition, among other mandated vaccines, such as pneumococcal, influenza, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and measles, only BCG vaccination showed significant association with decreased COVID-19 adverse outcomes. However, other factors also showed positive association with COVID-19 outcomes, particularly markers of high economic status of countries, higher median age, and greater population densities. CONCLUSION The lower incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in countries with mandated BCG vaccination may not solely be attributable to BCG vaccination policies, but there is still some evidence that demonstrates a possible protective effect. Clinical trials must be continued before recommendations of BCG vaccinations are to be used as an alternative or booster vaccine against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mystie Suzuki
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Catherine Joy Escuadra
- College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.,Department of Education, Graduate School, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Elaine Cunanan
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.,University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Negi K, Bhaskar A, Dwivedi VP. Progressive Host-Directed Strategies to Potentiate BCG Vaccination Against Tuberculosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:944183. [PMID: 35967410 PMCID: PMC9365942 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.944183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pursuit to improve the TB control program comprising one approved vaccine, M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) has directed researchers to explore progressive approaches to halt the eternal TB pandemic. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) was first identified as the causative agent of TB in 1882 by Dr. Robert Koch. However, TB has plagued living beings since ancient times and continues to endure as an eternal scourge ravaging even with existing chemoprophylaxis and preventive therapy. We have scientifically come a long way since then, but despite accessibility to the standard antimycobacterial antibiotics and prophylactic vaccine, almost one-fourth of humankind is infected latently with M.tb. Existing therapeutics fail to control TB, due to the upsurge of drug-resistant strains and increasing incidents of co-infections in immune-compromised individuals. Unresponsiveness to established antibiotics leaves patients with no therapeutic possibilities. Hence the search for an efficacious TB immunization strategy is a global health priority. Researchers are paving the course for efficient vaccination strategies with the radically advanced operation of core principles of protective immune responses against M.tb. In this review; we have reassessed the progression of the TB vaccination program comprising BCG immunization in children and potential stratagems to reinforce BCG-induced protection in adults.
Collapse
|
6
|
Gong W, An H, Wang J, Cheng P, Qi Y. The Natural Effect of BCG Vaccination on COVID-19: The Debate Continues. Front Immunol 2022; 13:953228. [PMID: 35898508 PMCID: PMC9309283 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.953228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Gong
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8 Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8th Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Wenping Gong, ; Yong Qi,
| | - Huiru An
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8 Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8th Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8 Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8th Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8 Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8th Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Qi
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Wenping Gong, ; Yong Qi,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dheda K, Perumal T, Moultrie H, Perumal R, Esmail A, Scott AJ, Udwadia Z, Chang KC, Peter J, Pooran A, von Delft A, von Delft D, Martinson N, Loveday M, Charalambous S, Kachingwe E, Jassat W, Cohen C, Tempia S, Fennelly K, Pai M. The intersecting pandemics of tuberculosis and COVID-19: population-level and patient-level impact, clinical presentation, and corrective interventions. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2022; 10:603-622. [PMID: 35338841 PMCID: PMC8942481 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The global tuberculosis burden remains substantial, with more than 10 million people newly ill per year. Nevertheless, tuberculosis incidence has slowly declined over the past decade, and mortality has decreased by almost a third in tandem. This positive trend was abruptly reversed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which in many parts of the world has resulted in a substantial reduction in tuberculosis testing and case notifications, with an associated increase in mortality, taking global tuberculosis control back by roughly 10 years. Here, we consider points of intersection between the tuberculosis and COVID-19 pandemics, identifying wide-ranging approaches that could be taken to reverse the devastating effects of COVID-19 on tuberculosis control. We review the impact of COVID-19 at the population level on tuberculosis case detection, morbidity and mortality, and the patient-level impact, including susceptibility to disease, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis. We propose strategies to reverse or mitigate the deleterious effects of COVID-19 and restore tuberculosis services. Finally, we highlight research priorities and major challenges and controversies that need to be addressed to restore and advance the global response to tuberculosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keertan Dheda
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and University of Cape Town Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Tahlia Perumal
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and University of Cape Town Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Harry Moultrie
- Centre for TB, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rubeshan Perumal
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and University of Cape Town Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; SAMRC-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Aliasgar Esmail
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and University of Cape Town Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alex J Scott
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and University of Cape Town Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zarir Udwadia
- Department of Pulmonology, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Kwok Chiu Chang
- Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jonathan Peter
- Allergy and Immunology unit, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anil Pooran
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and University of Cape Town Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arne von Delft
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; TB Proof, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Neil Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Johns Hopkins University Center for TB Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marian Loveday
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salome Charalambous
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Kachingwe
- Centre for TB, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Waasila Jassat
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stefano Tempia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kevin Fennelly
- Pulmonary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Madhukar Pai
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gong W, Mao Y, Li Y, Qi Y. BCG Vaccination: A potential tool against COVID-19 and COVID-19-like Black Swan incidents. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108870. [PMID: 35597119 PMCID: PMC9113676 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19), and its variants have brought unprecedented
impacts to the global public health system, politics, economy, and other
fields. Although more than ten COVID-19 specific vaccines have been
approved for emergency use, COVID-19 prevention and control still face
many challenges. Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is the only authorized
vaccine used to fight against tuberculosis (TB), it has been hypothesized
that BCG may prevent and control COVID-19 based on BCG-induced
nonspecific immune responses. Herein, we summarized: 1) The nonspecific
protection effects of BCG, such as prophylactic protection effects of BCG
on nonmycobacterial infections, immunotherapy effects of BCG vaccine, and
enhancement effect of BCG vaccine on unrelated vaccines; 2) Recent
evidence of BCG's efficacy against SARS-COV-2 infection from ecological
studies, analytical analyses, clinical trials, and animal studies; 3)
Three possible mechanisms of BCG vaccine and their effects on COVID-19
control including heterologous immunity, trained immunity, and
anti-inflammatory effect. We hope that this review will encourage more
scientists to investigate further BCG induced non-specific immune
responses and explore their mechanisms, which could be a potential tool
for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19-like “Black Swan”
events to reduce the impacts of infectious disease outbreaks on public
health, politics, and economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Gong
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8(th) Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yingqing Mao
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuexi Li
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yong Qi
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lancione S, Alvarez JV, Alsdurf H, Pai M, Zwerling AA. Tracking changes in national BCG vaccination policies and practices using the BCG World Atlas. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e007462. [PMID: 35039309 PMCID: PMC8764994 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The BCG vaccine is a widely given vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), yet studies on effectiveness have shown considerable heterogeneity; as a result, BCG vaccine policies vary greatly across the globe and change across geography, and with time and disease burden. The recently updated third BCG World Atlas (www.bcgatlas.org) is a publicly available online database with information on BCG practices across 194 countries. This helpful resource has been used for over 10 years to support clinicians, TB researchers and TB vaccine development worldwide. Here, we summarise main findings from the third BCG Atlas' most recent update which included additional data collected around BCG strain type, vaccine stockouts and associated changes. Longitudinal analysis enables evaluation of changes in TB incidence over time, a method becoming more common in legislation interventions. A large number of countries in the BCG Atlas (156/194 countries) maintain universal neonatal BCG vaccination, of which 51 are considered low TB burden countries. We demonstrate the majority of countries who changed their national policy moved to targeted vaccination for high-risk groups, were in Europe and also had significant decreases in TB incidence both before and after policy change. Globally, the most common BCG strain continues to be the Danish strain, despite its worldwide manufacturing interruption in 2015. Substantial variation and disproportionality exists in which regions were most affected by stockouts between 2009 and 2019. Tracking and understanding the reasoning behind changes to national BCG practices and their impact on TB burden is critical for decision makers as they contemplate how to include BCG vaccination in future immunisation guidelines in low and high TB burden countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lancione
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Hannah Alsdurf
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madhukar Pai
- McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alice Anne Zwerling
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Monaco A, Pantaleo E, Amoroso N, Bellantuono L, Stella A, Bellotti R. Country-level factors dynamics and ABO/Rh blood groups contribution to COVID-19 mortality. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24527. [PMID: 34972836 PMCID: PMC8720090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of factors associated to COVID-19 mortality is important to design effective containment measures and safeguard at-risk categories. In the last year, several investigations have tried to ascertain key features to predict the COVID-19 mortality tolls in relation to country-specific dynamics and population structure. Most studies focused on the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic observed in the first half of 2020. Numerous studies have reported significant associations between COVID-19 mortality and relevant variables, for instance obesity, healthcare system indicators such as hospital beds density, and bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunization. In this work, we investigated the role of ABO/Rh blood groups at three different stages of the pandemic while accounting for demographic, economic, and health system related confounding factors. Using a machine learning approach, we found that the "B+" blood group frequency is an important factor at all stages of the pandemic, confirming previous findings that blood groups are linked to COVID-19 severity and fatal outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Monaco
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Bari, Via A. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Ester Pantaleo
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Bari, Via A. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze mediche di base, Neuroscienze e organi di senso, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
- Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica "M. Merlin", Università degli Studi di Bari "'Aldo Moro", Via G. Amendola 173, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Amoroso
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Bari, Via A. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
- Dipartimento di Farmacia - Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via A. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Bellantuono
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Bari, Via A. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze mediche di base, Neuroscienze e organi di senso, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stella
- Dipartimento di Scienze biomediche e oncologia umana, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Roberto Bellotti
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Bari, Via A. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
- Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica "M. Merlin", Università degli Studi di Bari "'Aldo Moro", Via G. Amendola 173, 70125, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Eboreime E, Iyamu I, Afirima B, Okechukwu EF, Kibombwe GI, Oladele T, Tafuma T, Badejo OO, Ashiono E, Mpofu M, Oladele EA. COVID-19 risk perception among residents of seven sub-Saharan African countries: socio-demographic correlates and predicted probabilities. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 39:227. [PMID: 34630839 PMCID: PMC8486937 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.227.28193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, sub-Saharan Africa remains at high risk given the poor adherence to pandemic control protocols. Misconceptions about the contagion may have given rise to adverse risk behaviours across population groups. This study evaluates risk perception among 2,244 residents of seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) in relation to socio-demographic determinants. Methods an online survey was conducted via social media platforms to a random sample of participants. Risk perception was evaluated across six domains: loss of income, food scarcity, having a relative infected, civil disorder, criminal attacks, or losing a friend or relative to COVID-19. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression was conducted to assess socio-demographic factors associated with the perceived risk of being affected by COVID-19. Results 595 (27%) respondents did not consider themselves to be at risk, while 33% perceived themselves to be at high risk of being affected by the pandemic with respect to the six domains evaluated. Hospital-based workers had the highest proportional odds (3.5; 95%CI: 2.3-5.6) high perceived risk. Teenage respondents had the highest predictive probability (54.6%; 95% CI: 36.6-72.7%) of perceiving themselves not to be at risk of being affected by COVID-19, while Zambia residents had the highest predictive probability (40.7%; 95% CI: 34.3-47.0%) for high-risk perception. Conclusion this study reveals the need to increase awareness of risks among socio-demographic groups such as younger people and the unemployed. Targeted risk communication strategies will create better risk consciousness, as well as adherence to safety measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Abuja, Nigeria.,Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ihoghosa Iyamu
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.,School of Population and Public Health (SPPH), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Barinaadaa Afirima
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Emeka Franklin Okechukwu
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.,Family Health International (FHI360), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gabriel Isaac Kibombwe
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.,Family Health International (FHI360), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tolulope Oladele
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.,Community Prevention and Care Services Department, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Taurayi Tafuma
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Okiki-Olu Badejo
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Everline Ashiono
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Mulamuli Mpofu
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Edward Adekola Oladele
- Pan African Research Consortium, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.,EpiSolution Public Health Services, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
COVID-19 and Beyond: Exploring Public Health Benefits from Non-Specific Effects of BCG Vaccination. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102120. [PMID: 34683441 PMCID: PMC8539044 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination, widely used throughout the world to protect against infant tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis (TB), can provide broad non-specific protection against infectious respiratory diseases in certain groups. Interest in BCG has seen a resurgence within the scientific community as the mechanisms for non-specific protection have begun to be elucidated. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nearly every aspect of society has profoundly illustrated the pressure that respiratory infections can place on a national healthcare system, further renewing interest in BCG vaccination as a public health policy to reduce the burden of those illnesses. However, the United States does not recommend BCG vaccination due to its variable effectiveness against adult TB, the relatively low risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in most of the United States, and the vaccine’s interference with tuberculin skin test reactivity that complicates TB screening. In this review, we explore the broad immune training effects of BCG vaccination and literature on the effects of BCG vaccination on COVID-19 spread, disease severity, and mortality. We further discuss barriers to scheduled BCG vaccination in the United States and how those barriers could potentially be overcome.
Collapse
|
13
|
Gong W, Aspatwar A, Wang S, Parkkila S, Wu X. COVID-19 pandemic: SARS-CoV-2 specific vaccines and challenges, protection via BCG trained immunity, and clinical trials. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:857-880. [PMID: 34078215 PMCID: PMC8220438 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1938550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread worldwide and vaccination remains the most effective approach to control COVID-19. Currently, at least ten COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized under emergency authorization. However, these vaccines still face many challenges.Areas covered: This study reviews the concept and mechanisms of trained immunity induced by the Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccine and identifies questions that should be answered before the BCG vaccine could be used to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we present for the first time the details of current BCG vaccine clinical trials, which are underway in various countries, to assess its effectiveness in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, we discuss the challenges of COVID-19 vaccines and opportunities for the BCG vaccine. The literature was found by searching the PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), Web of Science (www.webofknowledge.com), Embase (https://www.embase.com), and CNKI (https://www.cnki.net/) databases. The date was set as the default parameter for each database.Expert opinion: The advantages of the BCG vaccine can compensate for the shortcomings of other COVID-19 vaccines. If the efficacy of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19 is confirmed by these clinical trials, the BCG vaccine may be essential to resolve the challenges faced by COVID-19 vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Gong
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute for Tuberculosis Research, 8 Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ashok Aspatwar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Shuyong Wang
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute for Tuberculosis Research, 8 Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Xueqiong Wu
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute for Tuberculosis Research, 8 Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Root-Bernstein R. Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccination Rates and Pneumococcal Invasive Disease Rates Set Geographical and Ethnic Population Susceptibility to Serious COVID-19 Cases and Deaths. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:474. [PMID: 34066697 PMCID: PMC8151685 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the relationship of pneumococcal vaccination rates, influenza, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccinations (DTP), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (tuberculosis) vaccination rates to COVID-19 case and death rates for 51 nations that have high rates of COVID-19 testing and for which nearly complete childhood, at-risk adult and elderly pneumococcal vaccination data were available. The study is unique in a large number of nations examined, the range of vaccine controls, in testing effects of combinations of vaccinations, and in examining the relationship of COVID-19 and vaccination rates to invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Analysis of Italian regions and the states of the United States were also performed. Significant positive correlations were found between IPD (but not lower respiratory infections) and COVID-19 rates, while significant negative correlations were found between pneumococcal vaccination and COVID-19 rates. Influenza and MMR vaccination rates were negatively correlated with lower respiratory infection (LRI) rates and may synergize with pneumococcal vaccination rates to protect against COVID-19. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination rates were independent of other vaccination rates. These results suggest that endemic rates of bacterial pneumonias, for which pneumococci are a sentinel, may set regional and national susceptibility to severe COVID-19 disease and death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Root-Bernstein
- Department of Physiology, 567 Wilson Road, Room 1104 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Su WJ, Chang CH, Wang JL, Chen SF, Yang CH. COVID-19 Severity and Neonatal BCG Vaccination among Young Population in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4303. [PMID: 33919644 PMCID: PMC8074147 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data have not been reported to explore the relation between COVID-19 severity and BCG vaccination status at the individual patient level. METHODS Taiwan has a nationwide neonatal BCG vaccination program that was launched in 1965. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control established a web-based National Immunization Information System (NISS) in 2003 and included all citizens' BCG vaccination records in NISS for those born after 1985. We identified COVID-19 Taiwanese patients born after 1985 between 21 January and 19 March 2021. Study participants were further classified into ages 4-24 years (birth year 1996-2016) and 25-33 years (birth year 1986-1995). We described their clinical syndrome defined by the World Health Organization and examined the relation between the COVID-19 severity and BCG vaccination status. RESULTS In the 4-24 age group, among 138 BCG vaccinated individuals, 80.4% were asymptomatic or had mild disease, while 17.4% had moderate disease, 1.5% had severe disease, and 0.7% had acute respiratory distress syndrome but none of them died. In contrast, all 6 BCG unvaccinated individuals in this age group experienced mild illness. In the 25-33 age group, moderate disease occurred in 14.2% and severe disease occurred in 0.9% of the 106 patients without neonatal BCG vaccination records, as compared to 19.2% had moderate disease and none had severe or critical disease of the 78 patients with neonatal BCG vaccination records. CONCLUSIONS Our finding indicated that BCG immunization might not relate to COVID-19 severity in the young population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ju Su
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (W.-J.S.); (S.-F.C.)
| | - Chia-Hsuin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Jiun-Ling Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Fong Chen
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (W.-J.S.); (S.-F.C.)
| | - Chin-Hui Yang
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (W.-J.S.); (S.-F.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nachega JB, Maeurer M, Sam-Agudu NA, Chakaya J, Katoto PDM, Zumla A. Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and potential cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection - Assumptions, knowns, unknowns and need for developing an accurate scientific evidence base. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 113 Suppl 1:S78-S81. [PMID: 33794380 PMCID: PMC8006492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
After a century of controversies on its usefulness in protection against TB, underlying mechanisms of action, and benefits in various groups and geographical areas, the BCG vaccine is yet again a focus of global attention- this time due to the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent studies have shown that human CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells primed with a BCG-derived peptide developed high reactivity to its corresponding SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide. Furthermore, BCG vaccine has been shown to substantially increase interferon-gamma (IFN-g) production and its effects on CD4+ T-cells and these non-specific immune responses through adjuvant effect could be harnessed as cross protection against severe forms of COVID-19.The completion of ongoing BGG trials is important as they may shed light on the mechanisms underlying BCG-mediated immunity and could lead to improved efficacy, increased tolerance of treatment, and identification of other ways of combining BCG with other immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Nachega
- Department of Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and Center for Global Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal; Medizinische Klinik, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Nadia A Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Institute of Human Virology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Jeremiah Chakaya
- Department of Medicine, Therapeutics, Dermatology and Psychiatry, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Patrick D M Katoto
- Department of Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Department of Medicine, Therapeutics, Dermatology and Psychiatry, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|