Effect of BCG vaccination on the progression of latent tuberculosis infection to active disease in contacts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is well established for preventing severe tuberculosis (TB) in children; however, its effectiveness in reducing the progression of latent TB infection (LTBI) to active disease remains uncertain, particularly in real-world contact settings.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, with data collection completed on December 21, 2024. Eligible studies included individuals with confirmed TB exposure and a positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) result. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method under a random-effects model, with between-study variance estimated using

SUBMITTER: Cai S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12838412 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature