1. BCG seems to find its value by permitting the safe substitution of a non-virulent
organism which does not risk progressive clinical disease for the virulent organism of
primary tuberculous infection in an age group where the risk is high, or where exposure
is heavy.
2. An attempt has been made to show what benefits are derived by immunity thus
acquired as well as financial saving for necessary and adequate chemotherapy in high
prevalence areas with limited economic resources.
3. That a positive tuberculin test from naturally acquired infection is of any protective
value to a person faced with the dangers of reinfection tuberculosis, is still open to
controversy and contradicting statistics. Whether this be a fact or not, one can conclude
that a positive tuberculin from artifical immunity acquired through BCG vaccination is of
definite advantage to an individual when facing his first or primary infection from
tuberculosis.
4. The advantages of letting a child in a high prevalence area face his primary
infection without any immunity, relying on chemotherapy to prevent complications or to
treat them should they occur seems open to serious question.
5. Both mass population BCG vaccination as well as smaller well controlled studies in
various countries have shown that BCG vaccination can reduce the incidence of infection
from tuberculosis anywhere from 50-100% depending onthe age group vaccinated, the
number of revaccinations, the follow up period and the period of isolation or direct
exposure following vaccination. BCG vaccination in all studies has shown the ability to
reduce serious complication of primary tuberculosis by 98-100%.
6. Reduction in total case incidence and their complications by BCG, automatically
assures more adequate chemotherapy, fewer recurrence, fewer relopses and better
rehabilitation for a greater number of cases.
7. In Korea, future tuberculosis control needs emphasis on the side of immunity, for
prevention of infection is as yet an unobtainable ideal prophylactic chemotherapy a
financial impossibility and therapheutic drug rehabilitation cannot be effective until total
case incidence and complications are partially reduced.
8. Although the value of BCG vaccination in a tuberculosis control program s widely
recognized it must be remember that it is a supplement to and not a substitute for any
of the other recognized control measures. As relative values and limitation of their
control measures become apparent in a given area, BCG assures an important role in
protecting the individual as well as the Community.
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