Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Antibiotic Resistance in the Elderly: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Solutions
Nikolaos Theodorakis1,2, Georgios Feretzakis3, Christos Hitas1
1Department of Cardiology, 65+ Clinic, Amalia Fleming General Hospital, 14, 25th Martiou Str., 15127 Melissia, Greece.
Abstract:
Antibiotic resistance presents a critical challenge in healthcare, particularly among the elderly, where multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying resistance in key bacterial pathogens and highlights how aging-related factors like immunosenescence, frailty, and multimorbidity increase the burden of infections from MDROs in this population. Novel strategies to mitigate resistance include the development of next-generation antibiotics like teixobactin and cefiderocol, innovative therapies such as bacteriophage therapy and antivirulence treatments, and the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize antibiotic use. Furthermore, advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, including nucleic acid amplification tests and next-generation sequencing, allow for faster and more precise identification of resistant pathogens. Vaccine development, particularly through innovative approaches like multi-epitope vaccines and nanoparticle-based platforms, holds promise in preventing MDRO infections among the elderly. The role of machine learning (ML) in predicting resistance patterns and aiding in vaccine and antibiotic development is also explored, offering promising solutions for personalized treatment and prevention strategies in the elderly. By integrating cutting-edge diagnostics, therapeutic innovations, and ML-based approaches, this review underscores the importance of multidisciplinary efforts to address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance in aging populations.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in the elderly is a growing concern. New antibiotics, therapies, diagnostics, vaccines, and machine learning offer hope for combating multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gerontology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a critical global health threat, disproportionately affecting the elderly.
- Aging-related factors such as immunosenescence, frailty, and multimorbidity exacerbate the risk and severity of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections in older adults.
- MDRO infections in the elderly lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in key bacterial pathogens relevant to the elderly population.
- To explore novel strategies for mitigating MDRO infections in aging individuals.
- To highlight the role of advanced diagnostics, innovative therapies, and machine learning in addressing this challenge.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
- Analysis of aging-related factors influencing susceptibility to MDROs.
- Evaluation of emerging therapeutic and diagnostic technologies.
- Exploration of machine learning applications in antimicrobial resistance.
Main Results:
- Aging significantly increases vulnerability to MDROs due to physiological changes.
- Next-generation antibiotics (e.g., teixobactin, cefiderocol), bacteriophage therapy, and antivirulence treatments show promise.
- Advanced diagnostics (NAATs, NGS) enable rapid pathogen identification.
- Vaccine development and machine learning offer personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary approach integrating novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and machine learning is essential.
- Targeted interventions are crucial to combat antibiotic resistance in the aging population.
- Proactive strategies are needed to reduce the burden of MDROs in elderly healthcare settings.
More Related Videos
08:58Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
11:15Quadruple-Checkerboard: A Modification of the Three-Dimensional Checkerboard for Studying Drug Combinations
Published on: July 24, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
00:57Antibiotic Selection
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
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...
01:26Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...