The impact of CMV infection on survival in older humans

► “Immunosenescence” contributes to susceptibility of the elderlyto infectious disease. ► The elderly have less naïve and more memory T cells than the young. ► CMV infection rates increase with age and influencemarkersofimmunosenescence. ► Infection with CMV may therefore impact on survival in the elderly. ► Recent evidence pertaining to this controversial proposal is reviewed here.