Which group is at higher risk for acquiring nosocomial infections within healthcare settings?

Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for acquiring nosocomial infections within healthcare settings due to their weakened immune systems. These individuals may have conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other autoimmune disorders, or they may be receiving treatments like chemotherapy or long-term steroid therapy that impair their immune response. In a healthcare environment, the risk of exposure to pathogens, particularly antibiotic-resistant bacteria, is significantly elevated for this population.

Healthcare settings often have higher concentrations of various microbes, and when combined with the reduced ability of immunocompromised patients to fight off infections, the probability of contracting these infections increases. Vigilant infection control practices are especially critical when dealing with patients in this vulnerable group to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Healthy adults, teenagers, and children generally have more robust immune systems compared to immunocompromised individuals, which often makes them less susceptible to hospital-acquired infections. This does not mean they cannot contract infections, but the likelihood is comparatively lower than for those whose immune defenses are compromised.