Common infections in older adults

Infectious diseases account for one third of all deaths in people 65 years and older. Early detection is more difficult in the elderly because the typ ical signs and symptoms, such as fever and leukocytosis, are frequently abs ent. A change in mental status or decline in function may be the only prese nting problem in an older patient with an infection. An estimated 90 percen t of deaths resulting from pneumonia occur in people 65 years and older. Mo rtality resulting from influenza also occurs primarily in the elderly. Urin ary tract infections are the most common cause of bacteremia in older adult s. Asymptomatic bacteriuria occurs frequently in the elderly; however, anti biotic treatment does not appear to be efficacious. The recent rise of anti biotic-resistant bacteria (e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureu s and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus) is a particular problem in the eld erly because they are exposed to infections at higher rates in hospital and institutional settings. Treatment of colonization and active infection is problematic; strict adherence to hygiene practices is necessary to prevent the spread of resistant organisms.