In the first place, in a randomized, controlled trial demonstrated a correlation between significantly rheumatoid arthritis reduced mortality and BCG vaccine.
"The effect of this one vaccine is far greater than the specific rheumatoid arthritis effect against tuberculosis. It stimulates the immune system in a way that makes it more resistant to other infectious diseases, and it shows up as a 50 percent reduction in neonatal mortality, "says Peter Aaby, a professor at the State Serum Institute and leader of the study in Africa. 50 percent less mortality
In low-income countries have so far been settled that children with low birth weight did not receive the BCG vaccine, which is part of the vaccination program until their weight was normal. You did not think they would get the full benefit of the vaccine.
The study was conducted between 2004 and 2008, and included approximately 2300 children. The intervention group received BCG vaccine as they left the hospital, typically after one to three days, while the control group went vaccine when they were assessed large and 'immunologically mature' enough to take full advantage of it. Children and their families were visited by researchers after a few days, again after two months, six months and twelve months. Here they were checked for, among other things tuberculosis, diseases and growth.
Peter Aaby and colleagues had the opportunity to bring together 2320 children with low birth weight, and give one group BCG vaccine immediately after birth, while the other group, the control group was not vaccinated later, typically after 6 weeks, in line with practice.
"When we gave the vaccine immediately after birth reduces the mortality rate in the period in which the control group have not been vaccinated, with about 50 percent. In addition to the BCG vaccine is the only measles vaccine, which creates as significant an impact, "explains Peter Aaby.
In the period after the control group were vaccinated with BCG and up to the children's 1st birthday, rheumatoid arthritis the difference between the groups reduced, leaving only 17 percent difference in infant rheumatoid arthritis mortality in the early vaccination favor. However, rheumatoid arthritis it is not a significant difference, because the study is not greater, says Peter Aaby. BCG is not effective in adults
BCG vaccine are in the medical community considered a rather low vaccine. This is because it has only a slight protective effect on the time of TB typically affects, namely between 20 and 30 years. Its effect simply decreases over time.
"In England they gave BCG vaccine for teenagers, so the protected during the critical period, and had the same beneficial effect. But in low-income children get it while they are quite small, and it protects against infantile disorder tuberculous meningitis, while there is not much protection back when the children become adults, "explains Peter Aaby. The vaccine stimulates the immune system
"We are working with a perspective that goes slightly against the prevailing opinion. Al vaccine research today is focused on finding a very specific acting vaccine, while we look at vaccines effects on other diseases, "he said.
BCG vaccine was invented in 1921 by French researchers, and has been used extensively since then. Since the vaccine was introduced in northern Sweden in 1927, a Swedish doctor very surprised that the reduced mortality by 2/3 of those who were treated. He concluded that there had to be more than just the effect on tuberculosis vaccine, and that it had to have a 'non-specific immune effect'. The doctor had apparently quite right, but there was never followed up on his conclusion, says Peter Aaby.
"If they keep up with giving BCG vaccine, you risk making matters worse, the loss of this non-specific, positive effect on the immune system. 'Power to be tested in Denmark
Peter Aaby and colleagues are currently rheumatoid arthritis double check their findings in another study, and so far the conclusion rheumatoid arthritis is the same. BCG vaccine reduces mortality among children with low birth weight significantly. rheumatoid arthritis
In Denmark, the Ethics Committee and the Danish Medicines Agency concluded that the evidence for BCG vaccine positive effect is so strong that they have given permission to the researchers behind rheumatoid arthritis the study can test the BCG vaccine in Denmark. Its immune-stimulating effect may help against allergies, and generally a boost of the immune system could help many people. Do not stop with BCG!
Back in low-income countries in Africa, says Peter Aaby, the study's conclusion in particular should be interpreted as a call to vaccinate all children with BCG vaccine
