Infections in the elderly.

Elderly patients appear to be predisposed to serious infections because of coexisting chronic or acute diseases that disrupt integumental barriers, impair clearance mechanisms, or compromise cellular responses to infection. The severely disabled elderly are particularly at high risk, because they are often unable to care for their personal hygiene and are malnourished, immobile, incontinent, or institutionalized. Senescence of the immune system per se does not appear to be a major predisposing factor for infection in this population. Infections in the elderly frequently present with non-specific signs and symptoms. Clues of focal infection are often absent or obscured by underlying chronic conditions. Once a site of infection is identified, clinicians should initiate therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat the array of most likely potential pathogens. Strategies to prevent infection include programs to help the elderly maintain active, non-institutionalized life-styles and the appropriate use of available vaccines.