The BCG scar after percutaneous multiple puncture vaccination may help establish the nationalities of unidentified cadavers

Abstract

BCG vaccination using the multiple puncture device (the Heaf gun) has been used in Japan and in the United Kingdom. The appearance of the BCG scars therefore differs from that caused by the conventional intradermal BCG vaccination, which is used throughout the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of examining BCG scars to identify the nationalities of unidentified cadavers. We investigated the BCG vaccination program not only in Japan, but also in other countries, along with the relation between the BCG scar and nationality. The results showed that the countries which domestically make and use the Heaf gun are Japan (where it is the only method that has been in use since 1968), the United Kingdom (where it has been used, in part, since 1982), and South Africa (where it has been used, in part, since 1972). In addition, for the past 10 years, the Japanese Heaf gun method has been partially applied in the Republic of Korea and in Brazil. The Heaf gun scar can be clearly distinguished from the intradermal scar, and is visible throughout a person’s life when good technique is used to administer the vaccination. If the Heaf gun scar is found on the left upper arm of an unidentified Asian cadaver, it is sure to be that of a Japanese. The findings of this present study indicate that the Heaf gun scar can be examined to identify the nationalities of unidentified cadavers.