Immunosenescence and infectious complications in the elderly

Czech version

Authors: O. Výška; H. Matějovská Kubešová
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika interní, geriatrie a praktického lékařství LF MU a FN Brno
Published in: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2018, 20(1): 41-43

Overview

Sencescence is a continuous, fast-paced and complex process associated with damage on the molecular and cellular level, resulting in the organism’s death. This process also affects the immune system in humans. There are gradual changes in both cell-mediated and humoral immunity, as well as changes in the anatomical and physiological characteristics of individual organ systems that predispose the elderly to more frequent infections and associated complications, such as prolonged and less favourable disease progress. This article aims to highlight the struggles of old age and also to help improve the care for elderly patients.

Key words:
senescence – immunosenescence – immune system – infectious disease – infectious complications – old age – predisposing factors

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