Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
Lack of correlation between nutritional status and seroprotection against influenza in a long term care facility
Marc Paccalin1, Chloé Plouzeau, Gauthier Bouche
1Geriatrics Department, University Hospital of Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France. m.paccalin@chu-poitiers.fr
Unlabelled:
We conducted a prospective study in a long-term care facility. Virologic diagnosis was assessed using viral isolation, polymerase chain reaction and serology for all patients with a flu-like syndrome. Albumin, vitamins and trace elements were also measured.
Results:
The risk of influenza increased 6.5-fold in patients with an antibody titer of 40 during the influenza outbreak (P=0.04). Micronutrients and vitamins deficiencies were important. Patients with antibody titer >1:40 could still be infected by the virus without correlation with the nutritional status.
Conclusion:
Humoral protection with a titer >1:40 might not be protective in the elderly. Nutritional deficiencies were too prevalent to detect any effect on the results.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Human Microbiota
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Influenza
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...