Nitin K.Sethi, Assistant Professor of Neurology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 1006sethinitinmd@hotmail.com
Nitin K Sethi, New York, NY
Submitted January 09, 2014
Ristori et al. reported the benefits of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination after clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). [1] BCG vaccination may prevent progression to clinically definite multiple sclerosis in these patients. In countries like India where tuberculosis is endemic, BCG vaccination is administered to all children any time from birth to 15 days. If administered after 6 months, a Mantoux test is carried out and if it is positive, the vaccine is withheld. Widespread BCG vaccination at birth may help explain the low incidence of multiple sclerosis in the Indian subcontinent along with other postulated hypotheses: distance from the equator, Epstein-Barr virus association vs. causation, genetics, and hygiene. A well-designed study could clarify this vaccination hypothesis.
For disclosures, contact the editorial office at journal@neurology.org.
Ristori et al. reported the benefits of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination after clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). [1] BCG vaccination may prevent progression to clinically definite multiple sclerosis in these patients. In countries like India where tuberculosis is endemic, BCG vaccination is administered to all children any time from birth to 15 days. If administered after 6 months, a Mantoux test is carried out and if it is positive, the vaccine is withheld. Widespread BCG vaccination at birth may help explain the low incidence of multiple sclerosis in the Indian subcontinent along with other postulated hypotheses: distance from the equator, Epstein-Barr virus association vs. causation, genetics, and hygiene. A well-designed study could clarify this vaccination hypothesis.
For disclosures, contact the editorial office at journal@neurology.org.