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. 2001 Mar-Apr;7(2):268–271. doi: 10.3201/eid0702.010224

Emerging health care-associated infections in the geriatric population.

L J Strausbaugh 1
PMCID: PMC2631705  PMID: 11294721

Abstract

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.

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Selected References

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