Mycobacterium vaccae immunotherapy for treating tuberculosis

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the effects of Mycobacterium vaccae as an adjunct to chemotherapy for treating tuberculosis. Study selection criteria: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials using whole, killed Mycobacterium vaccae for patients with tuberculosis. Data collection and analysis: One reviewer assessed trial quality and extracted data. Main results: Seven trials met the inclusion criteria. There was no effect on mortality (4 trials, Peto odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.49). No consistent effect on sputum negativity or sputum culture was shown. Most immunotherapy recipients experienced local adverse reactions (2 trials, Peto odds ratio 18.19, 95% CI 8.96 to 36.95), some of which progressed to ulceration and scarring. Conclusions: Mycobacterium vaccae does not benefit patients with tuberculosis