Nasal Administration of Immunoglobulin as Effective Prophylaxis against Infections in Elite Cross-country Skiers

Abstract

15 elite skiers (Swedish olympic team) taking part in the games in Alberville were prophylactically treated with nasal administration of immunoglobulin, mainly IgA. Team coaches served as controls. No infections occurred in the treated group, whereas 9/19 of the coaches developed symptoms of infection. These results suggest that nasal administration of antibodies significantly reduces the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in elite skiers and may serve as a valuable short-term physiological prophylaxis in the prevention of disease.