Preventive effects of an immunostimulating product on recurrent infections of chronic bronchitis in the elderly.

The effect of an immunostimulating drug, OM-85 BV, was demonstrated on recurrent infection rates in 265 elderly patients with a defined state of chronic bronchitis, during a 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients receiving OM-85 BV presented less infections (p = 0.005) and a significantly reduced intake of antibiotics (p = 0.02) as compared to those receiving a placebo and the antibiotic intake was significantly reduced (p = 0.02).