Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
11:32
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Common infections in older adults.
C P Mouton1, O V Bazaldua, B Pierce
1The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78284-7795, USA. mouton@uthscsa.edu
American Family Physician
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Infectious diseases are a major threat to older adults, often presenting with subtle symptoms. Early detection and strict hygiene are crucial for managing infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Infectious diseases cause one-third of deaths in individuals aged 65 and older.
- Typical infection signs like fever are often absent in the elderly, complicating early detection.
- Pneumonia, influenza, and urinary tract infections are significant causes of mortality and morbidity in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and treating infections in the elderly.
- To emphasize the increased risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in this population.
- To underscore the importance of hygiene in preventing the spread of resistant organisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on infectious diseases in the elderly.
- Analysis of common infections and their presentation in older adults.
- Discussion of challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Main Results:
- Infections present atypically in the elderly, with altered mental status or functional decline as primary indicators.
- Pneumonia and influenza disproportionately affect and cause mortality in the elderly.
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common but not effectively treated with antibiotics.
- Elderly individuals are at higher risk for hospital-acquired infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Prompt recognition of subtle signs of infection is vital for effective treatment in older adults.
- The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria presents a significant challenge, necessitating stringent hygiene protocols.
- Preventive measures and careful antibiotic stewardship are essential for managing infectious diseases in the elderly.
More Related Videos
07:42An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
12:21A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
Published on: September 28, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...