Aging and infectious diseases: state of the art

Gerontology
|January 1, 1984
PubMed

Insights

Elderly individuals face higher risks of infection due to aging. Innovative management strategies are crucial for addressing infections in older adults, improving their health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Infectious diseases significantly contribute to illness and death in the elderly.
  • Aging compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • Unique physiological changes in older adults complicate infection management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and treating infections in the elderly population.
  • To emphasize the need for updated and novel approaches to manage infections in aging individuals.
  • To review the current landscape of infectious disease management in geriatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on aging and infectious diseases.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to increased infection risk in older adults.
  • Examination of diagnostic difficulties and altered antimicrobial strategies.

Main Results:

  • Older adults exhibit heightened vulnerability to a wide range of infections.
  • Accurate diagnosis of infections in the elderly is frequently challenging.
  • Standard antimicrobial treatments may require modifications for effective use in this demographic.

Conclusions:

  • The elderly population presents distinct challenges in combating infectious diseases.
  • There is a pressing need for innovative therapeutic and diagnostic strategies tailored for aging individuals.
  • Advancements in understanding and managing infections in aging are critical for public health.

Related Concept Videos

Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Stages of Infection01:26

Stages of Infection

Stages of infection describe what happens to a susceptible host once a pathogen invades the human body. The stages of infection are incubation, prodromal, illness, stage of decline, and convalescence. The incubation stage is the period from exposure to a pathogen until symptoms start. The infected person is unaware of impending illness as the pathogens grow and multiply within the body. The duration may vary depending on the type of infection. The incubation period of measles averages ten to...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
History of Microbiology01:28

History of Microbiology

Microbiology, a scientific field dedicated to the study of microorganisms, has undergone profound development since its inception in the 17th century. Its history is marked by key discoveries and technological advancements that have shaped our understanding of life at the microscopic level and transformed medicine, agriculture, and industry.Early Foundations of MicrobiologyThe early foundations of microbiology were built on groundbreaking observations and the development of pioneering...
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence01:28

Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence

Infectious diseases appear in populations through various transmission patterns, influenced by pathogen characteristics, population immunity, environmental conditions, and social behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective public health surveillance and intervention. These categories—sporadic, outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, and endemic—help frame the nature and scope of disease events.Sporadic diseases occur irregularly and infrequently, without a predictable temporal or...