Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
13:50

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients

Published on: June 11, 2011

[Bloodstream infection in the up to 80 year-old-patients]

G Muñoz-Gamito1, E Calbo-Sebastián, M Riera-García

  • 1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa, Terrassa, Barcelona, España. gmunoz@mutuaterrassa.es

Revista Clinica Espanola
|April 24, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bacteremia in older adults, particularly those over 79, is often linked to urinary tract infections. Patient health status, not just age, significantly impacts mortality risk in these bacteremia cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Geriatrics
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Bacteremia (bloodstream infection) poses a significant threat, especially to elderly populations.
  • Understanding the specific characteristics and risk factors for mortality in older adults with bacteremia is crucial for effective clinical management.
  • This study focuses on patients over 79 years old to delineate bacteremia patterns and outcomes.

Purpose:

  • To characterize bacteremia in patients aged 79 and above.
  • To identify factors associated with mortality in this demographic.
  • To compare bacteremia characteristics across different adult age groups.

Summary:

  • A retrospective cohort study analyzed 1594 bacteremia episodes across three age groups (18-64, 65-79, ≥80).
  • The ≥80 group showed higher rates of comorbidities like renal failure, solid neoplasms, and decubitus ulcers, with urinary and biliary foci being common.
  • Mortality in the oldest group (21%) was associated with renal failure, malnutrition, ulcers, and shock, underscoring the importance of baseline patient status.

Impact:

  • Findings highlight that bacteremia in the elderly is frequently of urinary origin.
  • The study emphasizes that a patient's underlying health status is a primary determinant of mortality, more so than chronological age alone.
  • This research provides valuable insights for optimizing treatment strategies and improving outcomes for elderly patients with bloodstream infections.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia 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...
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination02:45

Blood Transfusion and Agglutination

Blood transfusion is a therapeutic measure to restore the blood volume after extensive blood loss due to an accident or a medical procedure. Blood transfusion involves drawing a certain amount of blood from a suitable donor and infusing it into the recipient.
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...