BCG Study at a State School for Mentally Retarded

In 1947, a study was begun to determine insofar as possible the merits of BCG vaccine as a preventive for tuberculosis. The study was confined to resident patients of Lincoln (Illinois) State school, an institution for mental retardates. Selection of participants was based on negative findings in chest x-ray films and tuberculin tests. Five hundred thirty-one of the participants were given BCG vaccinations. Four hundred ninety-four were designated controls. In April, 1948, 522 of the vaccinated patients were re-tested with Old Tuberculin 1:1000. Of the 262 who were doubtful or negative, 258 were re-vaccinated. An evaluation was made on November 15, 1960, showing that 12 of the BCG vaccinated individuals had developed tuberculosis, with four deaths from the disease. Eight of the control group had developed tuberculosis, with two deaths from the disease. Although the findings of the study are inconclusive, they are sufficient to give pause to the use of BCG vaccine as employed in this study within or as a substitute for an effective tuberculosis case-finding and treatment program.