title: Long lasting BCG protection against leprosy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  BCG vaccine protects against leprosy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Estimate BCG protection against leprosy by age by age.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case control study with 226 cases of leprosy and 857 controls. BCG vaccination was ascertained via examination of BCG scars. Protection is presented for three age groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  BCG protection against leprosy was 86% (95% CI: 77-92%) in the age group 18-29; 54% (95% CI: -37% to 85%) in the age group 30-39 and 32% (95% CI: -3% to 56%) in those aged 40 or more.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BCG efficacy against leprosy may well last for three decades and possibly even longer. BCG vaccination must have contributed to worldwide reduction in leprosy incidence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. laura.rodrigues@lshtm.ac.uk
authors.forename: Laura Cunha
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Ligia Regina Sansigolo
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Kerr-Pontes
authors.forename: Max Victor Carioca
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Frietas
authors.forename: Maurício Lima
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Barreto
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007918:Leprosy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000276:immunology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D001500:BCG Vaccine