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[Infectious diseases in geriatrics (author's transl)]
MMW, Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift
|April 23, 1976
Summary
This study investigated infectious diseases in geriatric patients over 11 years, finding syphilis and chronic salmonelloses common. Viral infections were significant, while active tuberculosis was less prevalent than in broader autopsy data.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
Background:
- Syphilis and chronic salmonelloses were prevalent in a geriatric hospital population over an 11-year period.
- Viral infections played a significant role in the disease spectrum of elderly patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence and patterns of infectious diseases, including syphilis, salmonelloses, and tuberculosis, in a geriatric hospital setting.
- To compare the incidence of active tuberculosis in this cohort with general autopsy statistics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient records from a geriatric hospital over 11 years.
- Review of autopsy findings for tuberculosis incidence in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Syphilis was observed 120 times, and typhoid fever/salmonelloses (chronic carriers) occurred 93 times.
- Active tuberculosis was diagnosed in 44 of 4219 patients (1.04%).
- Undiagnosed active tuberculosis was found in 21 of 1376 autopsies (1.53%), significantly lower than general autopsy data (1.85-11%).
Conclusions:
- Syphilis and chronic salmonelloses represent notable infectious disease burdens in geriatric populations.
- The lower-than-expected incidence of active tuberculosis suggests potential underdiagnosis or specific population factors.
- Further investigation into viral infections' role in geriatric morbidity is warranted.