Who is at a higher risk for severe infections from pathogens in healthcare settings?

Immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk for severe infections from pathogens in healthcare settings due to their weakened immune systems. This vulnerability can result from various factors such as chronic diseases, autoimmune conditions, ongoing medical treatments (like chemotherapy), or organ transplants.

In healthcare settings, pathogens can be more prevalent and can pose significant threats to those whose immune defenses are not fully operational. For example, patients undergoing chemotherapy may have reduced white blood cell counts, making it difficult for their bodies to fight infections. As a result, even common pathogens can lead to serious, life-threatening infections for these individuals.

On the other hand, while healthy adults, children, and pregnant women may have varying levels of susceptibility to infections, they are generally more capable of mounting an effective immune response compared to those who are immunocompromised. Therefore, immunocompromised individuals require more stringent infection control measures to protect their health in environments where exposure to pathogens is a concern.