At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of BCG vaccine as prophylaxis for COVID-19. Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine is an attenuated microorganism derived from bovine tubercle bacillus and is being given to prevent severe tuberculosis. BCG vaccination may enhance production of antibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). BCG may lead to increased CD4 and CD8 T-cell activity on subsequent viral infection. Ecological studies on the effect of BCG vaccination policy on COVID-19 outcomes have conflicting results and are prone to bias from confounders. There is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of BCG vaccine for COVID-19 prophylaxis. Thirteen clinical trials are ongoing among high-risk groups (healthcare workers, elderly, police officers) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BCG vaccine in preventing COVID-19 and its severe symptoms. WHO does not recommend the use of BCG vaccine as prophylaxis against COVID-19. Adverse events of BCG vaccine range from mild local cutaneous reactions to systemic adverse events such as abscess, lymphadenopathy and osteomyelitis.
Covid-19

Background: Preterm birth is an important health concern in countries with limited resources and healthcare access. Topical therapy may be effective for improving outcomes in preterm neonates whose skin barriers are compromised due to immaturity. Objectives: To systematically review the topical VCO's effects in preterm infants on infection, mortality, and dermal maturity. Methodology: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs of topical VCO in preterm infants were conducted. Databases included PubMed, Google Scholar, Clinical trials.gov, Trip, Cochrane Library, and HERDIN. The risk of bias was assessed by two authors independently. RR with 95% CI was used for the pooled estimate of dichotomous outcomes including infection prevention, mortality reduction, and skin irritation. Mean differences with 95% CI were used for the pooled estimate of weight loss and NSCS. Results: Of 110 records identified, 3 RCTs with 2440 patients were included. Prevention of infection had a trend toward VCO (RR = 0.90, [95% CI: 0.64, 1.27] while the results for mortality reduction were inconclusive (RR = 0.45, [95% CI: 0.06, 3.38]. NSC scores showed a beneficial trend toward VCO (RR = -0.03, [95% CI: -0.16, 0.09]. Both secondary outcomes of skin irritation and weight loss had inconclusive results. Conclusions This review showed the lack of evidence of the effectiveness of topical VCO in improving various outcomes in premature infants. The effects on infection prevention and dermal maturation were favorable. However, its effects on preventing mortality, skin irritation, and weight loss were inconclusive.
Meta-Analysis ; Infections ; Mortality