28 | Infections management course

S. Dini¹, L. Mazza², F. Crosta³ | ¹Genova; ²Department of Integration, Azienda USL di Bologna; ³Geriatria, l'Aquila.

Introduction. The spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms is a major global health priority, with over 670,000 infections and approximately 33,000 deaths annually in Europe; Italy is among the most affected countries. In geriatric patients, the burden is greater, as more than half of cases occur in older adults, driven by frailty, multimorbidity, and immunosenescence, which increase exposure to hospitalizations and antibiotic treatments. Moreover, infections are increasingly developing in community and intermediate care settings beyond the traditional hospital context. Despite this, significant challenges persist, including limited knowledge of newly introduced antibiotics, partly due to excessive reliance on infectious disease consultation, and a lack of geriatric-specific data. The high cost of some new agents and the need for antimicrobial stewardship strategies further emphasize the importance of a more informed, context-based approach.

Materials and Methods. A pre-congress course promoted by the SIGOT Young Group aims to provide practical tools for managing infections in older adults. The program covers basic microbiology, interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing beyond simple categorization, and a rational approach to antibiotic selection across care settings.

Conclusions. The course targets geriatricians, particularly early-career professionals, aiming to improve clinical competencies, promote exchange of real-world experiences, and foster collaboration, ultimately enhancing quality of care and supporting research in geriatric infectious diseases.