Disseminated BCG infection: a four case study

BCG inoculation at birth has been compulsory in our country since 1959. Adverse reactions induced by BCG vaccination are rare, ranging from zero to 23.8%. Disseminated infections are even rarer and their estimated incidence is 0.1 to 4.3 per one million vaccinated children. Lethal disseminated BCG infection is exceptional and affects especially the children presenting an immune deficiency. A familial gene defect may play a role. BCG osteitis is second to suppurative lymphadenitis in clinical forms; it generally develops five months to five years after vaccination. We report four cases of disseminated BCG infection occuring in children from three months to four years of age, leading to death in two cases. Our objective is to discuss the pathologic aspects of BCG infection.