BCG-Test

BCG test: differential diagnosis of infectious allergies

The BCG test is a method for the differential diagnosis of infectious allergies in tuberculosis and post-vaccination allergies. It is based on the effect of a specific reaction after intradermal administration of the BCG vaccine in the second case and its absence in the first.

The BCG vaccine (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) is a live attenuated vaccine that is used to prevent tuberculosis. After its introduction into the human body, the immune system is activated and a specific reaction to the proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis develops.

To conduct the BCG test, a small amount of vaccine is injected into the skin of the inner surface of the forearm. After 48-72 hours, the reaction at the injection site is assessed. If the reaction is positive, this indicates the presence of a post-vaccination allergy. If there is no reaction, we can talk about the presence of an infectious allergy due to tuberculosis.

A positive reaction to the BCG test does not always indicate the presence of tuberculosis, as it can also be caused by other reasons, such as contact with other mycobacteria or viruses. However, the BCG test is an important tool in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and post-vaccination allergies.

In addition, this test can also be used to assess the effectiveness of BCG vaccination. If a person does not have a reaction to the administered vaccine, this may indicate low effectiveness of vaccination and require additional measures to prevent tuberculosis.

In conclusion, the BCG test is an important tool in the differential diagnosis of infectious allergies in tuberculosis and post-vaccination allergies, as well as in assessing the effectiveness of BCG vaccination. Like any other diagnostic method, it must be used in combination with other methods and under the supervision of a physician.

The BCG test, also known as the tuberculosis infection detection test, is a differential diagnostic test that can determine the presence of infection in patients without visible symptoms. This test can be useful in diagnosing tuberculosis and can also help determine whether an infection is causing an allergic reaction to the BCG vaccine.

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