The effect of Zinc on the Immune responses of pneumococcal vaccination in elderly

Considering the zinc sulfate as an immunumedolator in antibody production, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc sulfate on the immunological response of pneumococcal vaccines in elderly people over 65.
In this case-control study in 2012, 120 patients (over 65 years old) were selected and randomly divided into two separate equal study and control groups. Pneumococcal vaccine injected with the dose of 23 ppv to study and control group then zinc sulfate supplement capsule taken by the study group and a sugar capsule as a placebo by control group for one month period as well. Blood samples were taken before and one month after vaccination, specific antibody (Ab) level against pneumococcal polysaccharide capsule, was measured with Maxisorb ELISA kit. Then findings interpreted with Stata software version 8 (sas ver 8, USA), a t-test was done for assessment of the relationship between independent variables. The effect of zinc, age, smoking and BMI has been assessed on the level of Ab production with regression interpreter.
Results and The average increase in antibody levels before and one month after vaccination in the control group, 42.87 ± 25.21 to 118.87 ± 29 and in the study group were from 41.76 ± 27.51 to 117.66 ± 32.53 units per mL. Zinc, age, sex, BMI and smoking with 95% reliability had no effect on antibody production in both groups. subscription of zinc sulfate for one month period as an immunomodulator after pneumococcal vaccination has no significant effect on the level of antibody production in response to pneumococcal 23 valent vaccines.