A TB vaccine could help prevent the development of multiple sclerosis, researchers revealed tonight.
The vaccine was given to people showing early signs of the disease and nearly halved the rate at which they went on to develop it, according to Italian researchers.
Writing in the journal Neurology, the researchers say it is too early to start using the vaccine as a treatment.
The study involved the Bacille Calmette-Guérin or BCG vaccine, which is based on bovine TB.
The researchers say their findings support the view that diseases like MS are increasing partly because of increased hygiene in developed countries – leading to many people having little exposure to infections. This has also been blamed for rising rates of allergies, caused by immune systems over-reacting to the wrong substances.
The study involved 73 people showing early symptoms of MS. Some 42% of those given BCG developed the disease compared with 70% of those given a placebo.
Researcher Dr Giovanni Ristori, of Sapienza University, Rome, said: "These results are promising, but much more research needs to be done to learn more about the safety and long-term effects of this live vaccine.
"Doctors should not start using this vaccine to treat MS or clinically isolated syndrome."
Neurology 4 December 2013
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