COVID-19 has been declared as a pandemic and world has been dealing with its ill effect. Several strategies are involved from drug therapy to vaccine development to contain the infection. Studies and trials are in progress the use of BCG vaccine in reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19.Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infection now attained a position to cause a threat to the global health and it is showing the ill effects on the global economy. World health organization has declared COVID-19 as a Public health Emergency of International concern. All over the world several countries are dealing with the emergence of this pandemic and COVID warriors including doctors, nurses and other health care workers have become saviours working relentlessly to save the lives.Clinical and epidemiological evaluation of people susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection helps in understanding the pathogenesis and in-turn aid in better development of vaccines. It is noted that certain people are more susceptible to COVID-19 than other people. The COVID-19 infection has been found to be associated with high severity in persons with the comorbidities including hypertension and diabetes. A study from Yang et al found that the non- survivors have been associated with the cerebrovascular disease and diabetes. Similarly a study from Guan and co-workers has found the severe disease of COVID-19 has been associated with the hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and coronary heart disease. It is postulated that the expression of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2), which is known as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 is increased in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension as these patients are treated with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II type-I receptor blockers. These ACE inhibitors favours the expression of ACE-2 receptors. Thus development of any vaccine or drug which favours high expression of the ACE, leads to the down regulation of expression of ACE-2 receptors.The Bacille-Calmette Guerin (BCG) is a tuberculosis vaccine is in use for the long time. Literature survey revealed that Schrier et al has found that the lung lavage has shown high expression of ACE with BCG induced chronic granulomatous pulmonary inflammation.ecent experimental evidence has shown the BCG offers protection against various DNA, RNA viruses mediated through initiation of innate immune memory and heterologous lymphocyte activation leading to enhanced cytokine production. Clinical trials are underway which aim to study the effect of BCG vaccination on the healthcare workers associated with the COVID-19 patients.We conclude that in future due to safety, easy accessibility, low cost, its known affect in reducing the morbidity and mortality it might a possible useful strategy in dealing with COVID-19.

Warm Regards,
Alisha
Journal Coordinator
Journal of Translational Neurosciences