Korean J Dermatol.  2020 Aug;58(7):453-458.

Clinical Study of Specific Cutaneous Complications after BCG Vaccination

• Won SH
• Shin K
• Kim WI
• Yang MY
• Lee WK
• Kim HS
• Kim BS
• Kim MB
• Ko HC

Abstract

Background
Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination has been widely used to prevent severe infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although BCG vaccination is generally safe, some cutaneous complications may occur. However, cutaneous complications related to BCG infection have been rarely investigated in Korea.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of cutaneous complications following BCG vaccination in Korean patients.
Methods
We identified 18 patients with cutaneous complications following BCG vaccination in the Pusan National University Hospitals (Busan and Yangsan) from 2002 to 2019. Clinical manifestations and course were examined by the review of medical records and photographs.
Results
Among BCG-vaccinated persons, 18 patients manifested with BCG-specific cutaneous complications. The mean age of the patients was 10.6±10.1 months, and 10 (55.6%) were female. The specific cutaneous complications following BCG vaccination were local abscess (7, 38.9%), lymphadenitis (4, 22.2%), BCG reactivation in incomplete Kawasaki disease (4, 22.2%), tuberculid (3, 16.7%), and scrofuloderma (1, 5.6%). Disseminated BCG infection was detected in 2 brothers (11.1%) who had an immunocompromised state and a family history of BCG complication.
Conclusion
Specific cutaneous complications after BCG vaccination are rare, but may occur in various manifestations.

Keyword

Mycobacterium bovis; Kawasaki disease; Vaccination