Question

1. Compare and contrast immune response in newborns, children, and the elderly, for VRE and MRSA.

Answer 1

	NEW BORN	CHILDREN	ELDERLY
IMMUNE RESPONSE FOR VRE - VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS	Newborns are at a greater risk of illness due to an immature immune system. Little is known about the neonatal innate immune response, however a newborn infant has limited adaptive memory. The neonate has a limited immune system and ability to combat bacteria.	VRE infections typically affect children who are already sick and in the hospital.	VRE - Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus affects people over 60 years of age,especially if they are in a nursing home or long term care facility. VRE infections typically affect people who are already sick and in the hospital.
	Minimal infection in urine,blood and sometimes wound infections.	Symptoms: Urinary Infection,bloodstream infection and wound infections.	Symptoms: Urinary Infection,bloodstream infection and wound infections.
	Affects infants with low immune system	Affects children with low immune system	Affects elderly with low immune system
IMMUNE RESPONSE FOR MRSA - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus	Pneumonia due to MRSA - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is a significat cause of morbidity and mortality in infants particularly following lower respiratory tract viral infections such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus(RSV)
	Both neonates and adults responded with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines following infection.	MRSA was considered a hospital-acquired pathogen however there has been a global increase in the incidence of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) in both adults and children	Both neonates and adults responded with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines following infection.MRSA was considered a hospital-acquired pathogen however there has been a global increase in the incidence of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) in both adults and children
	Not applicable	Not applicable	Men having sex with men. Homosexual men have a higher risk of developing MRSA infections.
	Outbreaks of MRSA have occurred child care centers.	Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Outbreaks of MRSA have occurred in child care centers.	Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Outbreaks of MRSA have occurred in military training camps, child care centers and jails.