Family Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

The bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is specifically designed to provide immunization against tuberculosis (TB). It is derived from a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis, which is closely related to the bacteria that cause TB in humans. The BCG vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to respond to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of developing active TB disease after exposure.

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in areas with high prevalence rates. The BCG vaccine is particularly effective in preventing severe forms of TB, such as meningitis and disseminated TB in children. While the vaccine does not guarantee complete protection against TB, it is a crucial component of tuberculosis control strategies in many countries, especially in regions where the disease is endemic.

The other options relate to different infectious diseases that the BCG vaccine does not address. Enterobiasis is caused by pinworms and is not prevented by the BCG vaccine. Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, for which a separate anthrax vaccine is available. Smallpox has been eradicated, and while there was a vaccine for it, it is not related to tuberculosis or the BCG vaccine. Thus