Aging, Gastrointestinal Infections, and Mucosal Immunity

The elderly constitute the fastest growing segment of the population and, as such, pose significant and unique health care problems. Aging is characterized by a decline in the organism's ability to respond or to adapt to a variety of environmental stresses. An example of this reduced “adaptive responsiveness” can be found in the immune system which undergoes a marked and well‐documented decline during aging. Perhaps as a result of this deficiency, the incidence of infectious diseases and the associated morbidity and mortality increase significantly in the elderly. Furthermore, the greater frequency of chronic diseases in the elderly predisposes them to complications resulting from infections.