[Immunomodulating action of levamisole in its combined use with influenza vaccines]

The immunomodulatory effect of levamisole used in combination with influenza vaccines was studied in young and senile subjects. Levamisole activated antibody production in young subjects in response to administration of a live influenza A (H3N2) vaccine and enhanced the protective effect of vaccinations. The senile subjects vaccinated with inactivated influenza A vaccine (H3N2 and H1N1) had a good immune response and the use of levamisole was not reflected in antibody rises. At the same time, levamisole alone stimulated antibody production to influenza A and B viruses which might be due to irritation of immunocompetent cells carrying "immunological memory".