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Aging is accompanied by immune responsiveness alterations, which lead to an increase in susceptibility to infectious diseases, a decrease in response to immunizations, and an increase in autoimmune diseases incidence (1). In this study we have evaluated the immune response of the elderly and the aging associated-inflammation status and we correlate the results with other hematological parameters, clinical status and the existing chronic diseases. We have lead a prospective study on 49 elderly patients without clinical signs of acute infections or inflammation at the beginning of the study, which have been monitored at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that immune function decreases with age. There is the possibility that changes in the immune system to be a critical predisposing factor in the aging process; defining the immunological dysfunctionality in the elderly can add a new insight into the aging mechanisms. Getting older, there are alterations in the acquired immunity, especially in cells of the immune system T and B lymphocytes. Less scientifically proved are alterations in the innate immunity (dendritic cells, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leucocytes and complement) and in the mucosal immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]