Case Reports of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Osteomyelitis: A Rare Complication in Immunocompetent Infants

Abstract

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine used globally since 1921, and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is administered to all newborns within the first few days of life for well-established benefits. BCG osteomyelitis is a rare complication that should be considered while assessing osteomyelitis in children. This report describes three cases of BCG osteomyelitis involving proximal metaphysis of the humerus in 11 months and three months old immunocompetent male infants and the left proximal tibia in a two-year-old immunocompetent female. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first cases to be reported in the UAE. The report outlines in detail how to make a timely diagnosis by explaining the insidious clinical presentation of BCG osteomyelitis, including its radiologic, microbiologic, and histologic aspects. As well, it outlines the treatment course carried out for these three patients. As such, this report will aid physicians in staying vigilant for such rare complication and commencing early treatment.