Infection and telomere length: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infections may increase the risk of age-related diseases such as dementia. Accelerated immunological ageing, measurable by telomere length (TL), may be a potential mechanism. However, the relationship between different infections and TL or telomere attrition remains unclear. This systematic review synthesises existing evidence on whether infections contribute to TL or telomere attrition and highlights research gaps to inform future studies.

Objective

To summarise the literature on associations between infections and telomere length or attrition.

Methods

We conducted comprehensive searches across six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health, Cochrane Library) from inception to 22 May 2025, using concepts of infections, TL, and study

SUBMITTER: Tunnicliffe L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12456831 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature