[Tuberculin reaction and the extent of the vaccination scar following BCG vaccination in newborn infants].

The actual incidence of tuberculosis in Switzerland is below 50 per 100,000 people and if contracted tuberculous disease can be treated readily. These were the main reasons why routine BCG vaccination in neonates was discontinued in 1987. However, the epidemiological and sociodemographic situation may change and it may be necessary to reintroduce BCG vaccination on a large scale. In view of this possibility 70 neonates who had received BCG vaccine after birth were reviewed at the time of MMR vaccination or DT booster vaccination in the second year of life. 34 (44.3%) had a positive response to tuberculin testing (Monotest). Nine had no scar, and more than half of the children with a scar had a negative Monotest. There was no correlation at all between the existence or absence of a BCG scar and a positive or negative tuberculin test. The results support the present immunization policy for tuberculosis in Switzerland, but raise questions on the timing of BCG vaccination at birth.