Scar Formation and Tuberculin Conversion Following BCG

Objective: To determine frequency of scar formation and positive tuberculin conversion test following BCG vaccine administered within 0-28 days of life in children in 6 months to 6 years of age presenting at outpatient department of Fauji Foundation Hospital Lahore. Study Design: Descriptive case series. Place and Duration of Study: Outdoor Department of Pediatrics, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Lahore from 1st July 2020 to 30th December 2020. Methodology: Ninety seven children were included. Base line demographic information of patients (age, gender, weight on weight machine) was recorded. 0.5 ml BCG was administered in right arm. Tuberculin skin test was assessed as per operational definition. After 48 to 72 hours, scar formation was assessed after 1 month. Data regarding scar formation and positive tuberculin conversion test was recorded. Results: The mean age was 3.20±1.46 years, 39 (40.21%) were male whereas 58 (59.79%) were females. The scar formation following BCG vaccine administered within 0-28 days of life in children in 6 months to 6 years of age was 59 (60.82%) and positive tuberculin conversion test following BCG vaccine administered within 0-28 days of life in children in 6 months to 6 years was recorded in 47 (48.45%). Conclusion: Most babies have developed a post-vaccination scar. The combination of the BCG scar and the positive skin testing tuberculin was very important. The development of BCG scars had no effect on age or sex. Greater trials are advised in order to detect the true extent of the problem and to evaluate regularly the BCG vaccination programs. Keywords: Infants, Tuberculosis, BCG vaccination, Scar formation, Positive tuberculin conversion test