Mycobacterium vaccae immunotherapy for treating tuberculosis.
BACKGROUND
Mycobacterium vaccae has been advocated for immunotherapy in the treatment of tuberculosis and other infections caused by mycobacteria.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of Mycobacterium vaccae for treating tuberculosis.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials register, Medline, Embase and reference lists of articles. We also contacted organisations and individuals working in the field.


METHODS
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of preparations of whole, killed Mycobacterium vaccae in patients with tuberculosis.


METHODS
One reviewer assessed trial quality and extracted data.


RESULTS
Four trials met the inclusion criteria. There was no effect on mortality (2 trials, RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.04); no consistent effect on sputum negativity or sputum culture; and a high level of adverse reactions.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunotherapy with Mycobacterium vaccae does not appear to benefit patients with tuberculosis.
de Bruyn
G
G
Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Fondren-Brown Building, 6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA. guyd@bcm.tmc.edu
Garner
P
P
D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000276:immunology*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000628:therapy