Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
10:04
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
Tuberculosis in the elderly: Challenges in a low-incidence area.
Paloma Gijón1, Cristina Veintimilla1, Teresa Aldamiz-Echevarria2
1Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain.
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) in the elderly presents atypical symptoms, causing diagnostic delays and high mortality. Older age, chronic kidney disease, and disseminated disease predict poor outcomes in this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) presents unique challenges in elderly populations, particularly in low-incidence regions.
- This study investigates TB characteristics, diagnosis, and outcomes in individuals over 65.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify factors influencing TB outcomes in the elderly.
- Improve clinical management strategies for geriatric TB patients.
- Highlight risk factors for adverse TB progression in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study (2010-2024) of culture-confirmed TB cases in patients aged 65 and above.
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome data.
- Statistical analysis to identify predictors of mortality.
Main Results:
- 124 elderly patients (median age 78) comprised 15.83% of TB cases.
- Atypical presentations (75%) led to a median diagnostic delay of 84 days.
- Mortality was 23.4%, with independent predictors including age >85, chronic kidney disease, and disseminated disease.
Conclusions:
- Elderly TB patients face high mortality and atypical presentations, causing diagnostic delays and poor outcomes.
- Increased awareness and improved diagnostic/management approaches are crucial for this demographic.
- Multidisciplinary care is essential for optimizing TB management in the elderly.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...