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BCG vaccination to minimise COVID-19 disease severity and duration

  • Funded by Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW)
  • Total publications:0 publications

Grant number: 1.043E+13

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Key facts

  • Disease

    COVID-19

  • Start & end year

    2020
    2022

  • Funder

    Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW)

  • Principal Investigator

    dr. Prof JHHM van de Wijgert

  • Research Location

    N/A

  • Lead Research Institution

    Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A

  • Research Category

    Clinical characterisation and management

  • Research Subcategory

    Supportive care, processes of care and management

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Non-Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    N/A

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Not Applicable

  • Vulnerable Population

    Not applicable

  • Occupations of Interest

    Not applicable

Abstract

Mycobacterium bovis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis in cows. The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine consists of weakened bacteria of this strain. Almost 100 years ago it was discovered that BCG protects against human tuberculosis. In recent years it has been shown that BCG also provides protection against other infections by activating the immune system in a broad sense. BCG can therefore potentially also provide protection against COVID-19. Research This study investigates whether BCG can reduce the incidence, severity and/or duration of COVID-19. The impact of BCG on the development and longevity of COVID-19 antibodies, the immune system in a broader sense and the microbiome composition of the respiratory tract is also being investigated. Expected outcomes If BCG is effective, it could be used to protect risk groups until COVID-19-specific vaccines become available. In that case, BCG could also be used in future epidemics caused by new pathogens.