[2] Mycobacterium vaccae was first isolated from the Ugandan Lang'o District, where locals claimed that a "muddy substance had the power to cure a number of ailments".

[3] Research areas being pursued with regard to killed Mycobacterium vaccae vaccine include immunotherapy for allergic asthma, cancer, depression,[4] leprosy,[5] psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and tuberculosis.

Numerous trials have indicated that exposure to oral and injectable products derived from M. vaccae bacteria can have positive effects in treating tuberculosis.

The researchers say this may explain why different vaccines made from Mycobacterium vaccae vary in their effectiveness in increasing immune response to other organisms during clinical trials.

[12] A study conducted in 2017-2018 revealed that Mycobacterium vaccae lysate may prevent the development of atopic dermatitis symptoms when applied topically.