Ace the 2025 Basic and Clinical Sciences Challenge – Test Your Brain and Boost Your Brilliance!

The BCG vaccine, which stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, primarily functions by inducing an adaptive immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). This adaptive immune response involves the activation of T-cells and the production of antibodies that improve the body's ability to recognize and combat the infection if exposed in the future.

While the vaccine does not provide complete protection against all strains of TB, it is effective in reducing the severity of the disease and preventing the spread of TB in populations, particularly in childhood. The immediate immunity is not the main function of BCG; instead, it is an example of a vaccine that aims to prepare the immune system for future exposures rather than offering instant immunity.

The BCG vaccine also does not prevent reinfection after treatment, as it does not create a barrier against new infections but instead enhances the immune system's recognition and response to re-exposure. This is crucial in a public health context, particularly in areas where TB is prevalent.