Cytomegalovirus antibody levels and mortality among hospitalised elderly patients.

Background: The impact of cytomegalovirus infection in elderly subjects remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between humoral immune response to cytomegalovirus (CMV) and all-cause mortality in a cohort of elderly hospitalised patients.

Methods: Data were obtained from a random sample of 715 patients (≥65 years old) admitted for any cause in a third level hospital.

Non-diagnostic anti-C. burnetii phase I IgG titres: Should they be discarded in elderly patients?

Background: High anti-Coxiella burnetii phase I IgG titres are associated with chronic Q fever; an infectious disease with high mortality. Prognostic significance of lower or medium IgG phase I titres remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore this issue in a high-risk population.