BCG vaccine administered at birth protects most effectively against which form of tuberculosis?
- A Miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis in young children ✓
- B Adult pulmonary tuberculosis
- C Post-primary reactivation tuberculosis
- D Latent tuberculosis infection in adults
Correct answer: A. Miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis in young children
Explanation
BCG offers about 80 percent protection against disseminated forms of primary tuberculosis, namely miliary disease and tuberculous meningitis, in infants and young children. Its efficacy against adult pulmonary tuberculosis is variable and generally poor, which is why BCG does not interrupt transmission and cannot eliminate TB by itself. It does not reliably prevent latent infection or reactivation disease in adults.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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