The vaccine used against tuberculosis is

Appeared in: KGMU 2024

Explanation

BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is the specific vaccine developed to protect against tuberculosis.
It is a live attenuated vaccine, created from a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis.
The primary goal of BCG vaccination, especially when given at birth, is to prevent severe and disseminated forms of TB in children, such as TB meningitis and miliary TB.
The vaccine is administered intradermally and typically leaves a characteristic permanent scar, which indicates a successful vaccination.

Option A: DPT is a combination vaccine that provides protection against three different bacterial diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Tetanus.
Option B: OPV stands for Oral Polio Vaccine. It is used to prevent the viral disease poliomyelitis (polio).
Option C: MMR is a combination vaccine that protects against three common viral childhood diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

Visual 1: Chart: National Immunization Schedule (India) - This would visually place BCG alongside other vaccines like DPT, OPV, and MMR, showing the recommended ages for each.
Visual 2: Image: BCG Scar - A clear photograph showing a healed BCG scar on the upper arm helps students recognize the typical outcome of a successful vaccination.
Visual 3: Diagram: Intradermal Injection Technique - A diagram illustrating the 10-15 degree angle of needle insertion for an intradermal injection, as required for BCG, would be highly beneficial.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In high TB-prevalence countries like India, BCG vaccination at birth is a critical public health strategy to reduce childhood mortality and morbidity from severe TB.
Nurses play a vital role in educating parents about the normal course of the BCG reaction, including the formation of the papule, ulcer, and eventual scar, to prevent unnecessary anxiety and improper local treatment.
The presence of a BCG scar is often used as a presumptive indicator of prior vaccination during health screenings or clinical assessments.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'tuberculosis'.
Next, recall the specific vaccine associated with this disease.
Systematically review the options provided: DPT, OPV, MMR, and BCG.
Mentally (or on paper) match each vaccine abbreviation to the disease(s) it prevents.
DPT -> Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus.
OPV -> Polio.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full KGMU 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.