Genomic evidence for stability of the Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine strain (Pasteur 1173P2) from different batches in Iran

Aims Investigate the genetic stability of the BCG vaccine produced in Iran from different batches compared to the reference strain. Methods and results We comparatively analyzed the whole genome sequences of the vaccine batches from different years. Eleven vials of different batches from 2010, 2018, and 2019 were included. Complete genome analyses revealed no difference between the old (2010) and new (2018 and 2019) vaccine batches. Additionally, minor genetic changes include five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (indels) were observed compared to the BCG Pasteur 1173P2 reference strain, which were shared among all batches. Besides, the batches were identical to the reference strain in terms of antibiotic resistance genes, prophage sequences, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐CRISPR‐associated (Cas) systems. Conclusions High genetic stability of the BCG vaccine used in the national immunization program was confirmed, which indicates the optimal conditions in the vaccine production process. Significance and Impact of the Study Genetic differences within and between vaccine strains have been declared as one of the main parameters related to the BCG vaccine variable protective efficacy. No study has been done to investigate the genetic variations of the vaccine batches at the single‐base level.