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Journal Article Review Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Epublish 5 citations

PubMed: 37841265 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1250198

Tuberculosis and COVID-19 in the elderly: factors driving a higher burden of disease.

Front Immunol 14:1250198

Authors: Anna Allué-Guardia, Jordi B Torrelles, Alex Sigal

Affiliations

  • Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States.
  • International Center for the Advancement of Research and Education (I•CARE), Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States.
  • Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.
  • Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa.
  • School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Abstract

() and SARS-CoV-2 are both infections that can lead to severe disease in the lower lung. However, these two infections are caused by very different pathogens ( virus), they have different mechanisms of pathogenesis and immune response, and differ in how long the infection lasts. Despite the differences, SARS-CoV-2 and share a common feature, which is also frequently observed in other respiratory infections: the burden of disease in the elderly is greater. Here, we discuss possible reasons for the higher burden in older adults, including the effect of co-morbidities, deterioration of the lung environment, auto-immunity, and a reduced antibody response. While the answer is likely to be multifactorial, understanding the main drivers across different infections may allow us to design broader interventions that increase the health-span of older people.

MeSH

Immunity, Infections, Immune System Diseases, Aged, Communicable Diseases, Tuberculosis, Lung, Cost Of Illness, Covid-19, Sars-Cov-2

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