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BMC Infectious Diseases
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Review

Does tuberculosis threaten our ageing populations?

Authors: Rachel Byng-Maddick, Mahdad Noursadeghi

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

The global population is ageing quickly and our understanding of age-related changes in the immune system suggest that the elderly will have less immunological protection from active tuberculosis (TB).

Discussion

Ongoing global surveillance of TB notifications shows increasing age of patients with active TB. This effect of age is compounded by changes to clinical manifestations of disease, confounding of diagnostic tests and increased rates of adverse reactions to antimicrobial treatment of TB. Future epidemiological surveillance, development of diagnostic tests and trials of treatment shortening should all include a focus on ageing people.

Summary

More detailed surveillance of TB notifications in elderly people should be undertaken and carefully evaluated. Risk stratification will help target care for those in greatest need, particularly those with comorbidities or on immunosuppressive therapies. Novel diagnostics and treatment regimes should be designed specifically to be used in this cohort.
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Metadata
Title
Does tuberculosis threaten our ageing populations?
Authors
Rachel Byng-Maddick
Mahdad Noursadeghi
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-016-1451-0

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