Graduate Research Degree Awarded - Paola Villanueva

Congratulations to Paola Villanueva - Graduate Research Degree Awarded 24 November 2023.

Degree: PhD
Supervisors: Nigel Curtis (Principal), Laure Pittet, Nicole Messina
Advisory Committee: Fiona Russell (Chair), Thomas Connell, Marc Tebruegge

Thesis Title: Safety of Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination and revaccination

Thesis Summary: This thesis evaluates the incidence and predictors of reactions (normal, accelerated and adverse) to BCG vaccination, the impact of revaccination on BCG reactions, and the clinical management of adverse reactions. Methods: Active safety surveillance of BCG vaccination within an international RCT of >6800 healthcare workers. Results: BCG vaccination and revaccination have an acceptable safety profile in adults, although revaccination and younger age are associated with increased frequency of local BCG reactions. Latent tuberculosis infection predisposes to an accelerated BCG reaction.

Date awarded: 24 November 2023