Tuberculin reaction, BCG scar, and lower female mortality
Background: Recent studies have suggested that bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
immunization may have a nonspecific beneficial effect on infant survival and that the effect
may be more pronounced among girls. In a prospective birth cohort, we examine whether a
positive tuberculin skin test and BCG scar in response to BCG immunization were related to
better overall survival in Guinea-Bissau and, if so, whether the effect was sex-specific.
Methods: Skin tests and BCG scarring were monitored at ages 2 months (n= 2332) and 6 …
immunization may have a nonspecific beneficial effect on infant survival and that the effect
may be more pronounced among girls. In a prospective birth cohort, we examine whether a
positive tuberculin skin test and BCG scar in response to BCG immunization were related to
better overall survival in Guinea-Bissau and, if so, whether the effect was sex-specific.
Methods: Skin tests and BCG scarring were monitored at ages 2 months (n= 2332) and 6 …