BCG vaccine extensively used even in countries where efficacy against pulmonary tuberculosis is negligible. A number of possible reasons for the variable efficacy of BCG in different countries have been proposed. None have been proven, some have been disproved, and none can explain the lack of efficacy in both low-TB burden countries (US) and high-TB burden countries (India). The reasons for variable efficacy have been discussed at length in a WHO document on BCG. BCG has protective effects against some non-tuberculosis mycobacteria. BCG has been one of the most successful immunotherapies. BCG vaccine has been the "standard of care for patients with
Inoculation needle the aseptic technique. An open flame from an incinerator, a bunsen burner, or an alcohol burner is used to flame along the tip and the length of the needle that is to be in contact with the inoculum. For ease of manipulation it is common practice to hold the needle with the dominant hand as if handling a pencil. The needle will be flamed at a downward angle through the flame’s inner cone until it is red-hot. The downward angle will minimize the amount of microbial aerosols created. Inoculation needles must be sterilized prior and following contact with microbial life