Effect of Obesity on Influenza Infection Response (2015)

Undergraduate: Steven Hartman

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Melinda Beck
Department: Biology

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The effect of obesity in humans on H3N2 influenza infection response has never been studied before. In this study consisting of 3,000 participants from UNC hospitals, the post vaccination antibody titer levels for both lean and obese individuals will be measured. This poster will specifically discuss the blood analysis tests from the obese individuals from the study who were vaccinated but still got infected with influenza during the 2014 flu season. The antibody titer levels at different times post vaccination will be conducted using ELISA tests. Different protein measurement tests will be performed as well to look for any trends of why the infection could have occurred.