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Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Mycobacterial infections in the elderly
Carlos Pérez-Guzmán1, Mario H Vargas
1Coordinación de Investigación, Instituto de Salud del Estado de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México.
Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|October 14, 2010
Summary
Elderly individuals face higher risks for tuberculosis (TB), including atypical symptoms and poorer outcomes. Standard TB treatment regimens are recommended, but close monitoring is crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Elderly individuals represent a significant and growing proportion of global tuberculosis (TB) cases, with over 262,000 smear-positive cases reported worldwide in 2008.
- This demographic exhibits increased susceptibility to TB reactivation and new infections, particularly those residing in long-term care facilities or with a history of smoking.
- Clinical tuberculosis in the elderly is associated with a higher risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment considerations for tuberculosis in the elderly population.
- To highlight the unique challenges and risks associated with TB in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data and clinical characteristics of tuberculosis in elderly subjects.
- Analysis of recommended treatment guidelines for pulmonary tuberculosis in different age groups.
- Discussion of outcomes and monitoring strategies for elderly TB patients.
Main Results:
- Elderly patients often present with atypical symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, including less frequent fever, sweating, or hemoptysis, and distinct chest X-ray findings (e.g., lower lung field involvement).
- While PPD test positivity may be lower in the elderly, sputum smear positivity differences compared to younger patients are not clearly established.
- Standard TB treatment regimens are applicable, but elderly patients may experience a longer duration to achieve smear negativity and generally face worse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis in the elderly is a critical public health concern requiring specific attention due to increased risks and atypical presentations.
- Standard treatment protocols are recommended, with a strong emphasis on directly observed therapy during the initial phase.
- Effective management necessitates awareness of potential atypical symptoms and the likelihood of prolonged recovery and poorer prognoses in older adults.
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