ABSTRACT
Bacteremia constitutes a major challenge to the aged patient because the pathophysiological derangements that ensue pose an immediate threat to life. Compared to younger adults the elderly suffer bacteremia more frequently in association with pneumococcal pneumonia and salmonella enteritis/colitis. A prospective study to detect bacteremia was performed on 68 consecutive women with pyelonephritis requiring hospitalization. The data indicate that bacteremia occurs more frequently in elderly than in young women with nonobstructive pyelonephritis.
Subject(s)
Pyelonephritis/complications , Sepsis/complications , Aged , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/complications , Female , Humans , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Branhamella catarrhalis is being increasingly identified as an important pulmonary pathogen, particularly in elderly patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. This gram-negative diplococcus can readily be isolated and detected in respiratory secretions. Laboratory identification requires care and beta-lactamase testing. Recognition of lower respiratory tract disease caused by B. catarrhalis is rewarding, since safe and effective therapy exists to treat these patients.
