TB Research

Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of BCG revaccination against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ali Sa, Shanza Shakir, Umais Ahmed Shaikh, Maryam Khalid, Maria Jawed, Syed Ibad Ali, Maheen Samo, Hadeel Shariq, et al. (11 authors)

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics · 2026-02

Abstract

= .008). Safety analysis indicated increased adverse events, though a reduced risk of upper respiratory tract infections (RR 0.37) was noted. These results highlight a discrepancy between immune activation and quantifiable protection, suggesting limited BCG revaccination benefit in high-risk groups and the need for vaccines with proven protective immunity.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Immunogenicity
  • Vaccination
  • Immunology
  • Tuberculosis
  • Adverse effect
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • BCG vaccine
  • Immune system
  • Tuberculosis vaccines
  • Respiratory tract
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Immunity