Which vaccine is used for the prevention of tuberculosis?

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The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is specifically used for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB). It is a live attenuated vaccine derived from a strain of Mycobacterium bovis, which is closely related to the bacterium that causes TB in humans. The primary purpose of the BCG vaccine is to provide immunity against TB, particularly in high-risk populations or areas where the disease is endemic.

This vaccine helps to prevent severe forms of TB, such as disseminated TB and TB meningitis, particularly in young children. Its efficacy can vary based on geographic and environmental factors, and while it does not completely prevent TB infection, it significantly reduces the risk of developing severe illness from the disease.

The other options listed do not relate to the prevention of tuberculosis. The oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine are both designed to prevent poliomyelitis, while diphtheria toxoid is used to prevent diphtheria. Thus, the BCG vaccine stands out as the only option that specifically targets tuberculosis prevention, making it the correct answer.

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