Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine-induced lupus vulgaris in a child adopted from China

Pediatr Dermatol. 2007 Sep-Oct;24(5):E44-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2007.00439.x.

Abstract

Lupus vulgaris is a rare form of cutaneous mycobacterial infection that can occur from mycobacterial exposure and even more rarely from exposure to the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine. We report a child who received this vaccination in China and then developed lupus vulgaris shortly after being adopted in the United States. After histopathologic confirmation, the infection was successfully treated with a combination of antibiotics. This occurrence demonstrates the need for heightened surveillance of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine-induced lupus vulgaris, given the increasing numbers of overseas adoptions taking place in the United States. To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunization-induced lupus vulgaris in the United States.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adoption*
  • BCG Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / ethnology
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Vulgaris / ethnology*
  • Lupus Vulgaris / etiology*
  • Lupus Vulgaris / pathology
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine