What Makes the Elderly Prone to Parasitic Infection?

Abstract

The number of the elderly is increasing globally, and as a consequence the number of geriatric health problems also increased, including parasitic infection. The skin and the GI tract were among the most common locations of parasitic infections of the elderly. Underlying biological and social problems can prevent their independence in maintaning basic personal hygiene which made them depend on other’s help, permanently. These seniors sometimes become the permanent residence of nursing homes. their dependence made them attached very close to the staff or other helper, even maintaining the basic function of life like eating. If this helper actually a parasitic agent carrier, parasitic infection transmission will be made easy by this symbiotic relationship. Besides behavior, some biological factors, e.g immunosenescence and or organ dysfunction, may contribute to infection.