Could the tuberculosis vaccine, BCG, protect Covid-19, if only partially? This idea may seem strange at first. It is nevertheless based on a very strong rational. " We have noticed, in Africa in particular, that vaccination of children has beneficial effects on other infections, " explains Camille Locht, Inserm research director at the Institut Pasteur in Lille. “ BCG is also the best treatment for bladder cancer, when given at an early stage of the disease. We think it's related to its ability to boost non-specific innate immunity. ”It is the first line of defense for our immune system. It attacks without distinction all pathogens. Contrary to what we have long thought, it would therefore be possible to "train" it to make it a little more effective. And in this case, more effective against the new coronavirus.
Read also: Covid-19: first hopes in the vaccine race
So why not try against the Covid-19
This article is for subscribers only. You still have 63% to discover.
Subscribe: € 1 the first month
cancellable at any time
Enter your emailAlready subscribed? Log in