BCG + rifampin

BCG + rifampin is a combination of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine and the antibiotic rifampin. BCG is a live attenuated vaccine derived from Mycobacterium bovis, primarily used for the prevention of tuberculosis and, occasionally, in the treatment of bladder cancer. Rifampin is a first-line anti-tuberculosis drug, classified as a small molecule antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, thereby preventing RNA synthesis and leading to bacterial cell death. This combination is investigated for its potential synergistic effect in tuberculosis therapy: BCG vaccination can prime the immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while rifampin provides direct antimicrobial activity. Preclinical and observational studies suggest that combining BCG vaccination with rifampin enhances inhibition of mycobacterial growth, reduces disease progression, and may improve overall treatment outcomes for tuberculosis and leprosy compared to each intervention alone[5][9].

Other names

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin + rifampin