BCG and Kawasaki disease in Mexico and Japan

Abstract

Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki was the first to describe BCG reactivation in Kawasaki Disease (K_D), and this sign is present in about 30–50% of K_D patients. It is a very specific early sign of the disease and although it has been recognized for decades, its pathophysiology continues to be an enigma. Recently, Yamada et al. reported a severe BCG reaction with tuberculid in 2 Japanese K_D patients. We present 2 cases with K_D and severe BCG reaction, one from Japan and the other from Mexico and review the policies of administration of BCG in both countries. The BCG vaccine has a worldwide coverage of 88%. Differences in BCG strains and methods of administration may influence BCG reactions in K_D. The BCG reaction in the inoculation site may represent the most useful sign in K_D.