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Immune issues in elderly with TB
1MCS Hospital and MMC Clinic Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam dist. Pin:686661, Kerala, India.
The Indian Journal of Tuberculosis
|November 18, 2022
Summary
Elderly individuals are more susceptible to tuberculosis (TB) due to age-related immune changes like immunosenescence and inflammaging, which impair both innate and adaptive immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). This increased inflammation aids M.tb dissemination, raising morbidity and mortality in older populations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aging alters immune responses, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant risk to the elderly population.
- Understanding age-related immune changes is crucial for TB management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review immune alterations in the elderly concerning tuberculosis (TB) susceptibility.
- To explore recent advances in understanding immune mechanisms of TB infection in older adults.
- To connect immunosenescence and inflammaging with TB pathogenesis in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on aging, immunity, and TB.
- Analysis of host responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) in elderly individuals.
- Examination of innate and adaptive immune system changes with age.
Main Results:
- Aging impacts both innate and adaptive immunity, affecting M.tb encounter at multiple levels.
- Increased inflammation in the elderly lung mucosa impairs defense mechanisms against M.tb.
- M.tb utilizes evasive strategies, thriving in the inflamed environment of elderly hosts.
Conclusions:
- Age-related immune dysfunction, particularly inflammaging, enhances TB susceptibility and severity in the elderly.
- M.tb exploits inflammatory states and immune evasion to increase morbidity and mortality in older adults.
- Further understanding of these immune mechanisms can lead to improved TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for the elderly.
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