Emerging health care-associated infections in the geriatric population.
The increasing number of persons >65 years of age form a special population at risk for nosocomial and other health care-associated infections. The vulnerability of this age group is related to impaired host defenses such as diminished cell-mediated immunity. Lifestyle considerations, e.g., travel and living arrangements, and residence in nursing homes, can further complicate the clinical picture. The magnitude and diversity of health care-associated infections in the aging population are generating new arenas for prevention and control efforts.
Strausbaugh
L J
LJ
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA. strausba@ohsu.edu
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D015438:Health Behavior; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors