Who is defined as a susceptible host?

A susceptible host is defined as a person who cannot resist an infection, indicating that their immune system is compromised or weakened in some manner. This vulnerability can arise from various factors such as age, existing health conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or specific medical treatments that impair the immune response.

For example, individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or HIV may be particularly susceptible since their ability to fend off infections is diminished. Understanding the characteristics of susceptible hosts is crucial in infection control practices, as these individuals require additional protective measures to prevent exposure to infectious agents.

In contrast, a person with strong immunity is better equipped to resist infections and therefore is not considered a susceptible host. Similarly, isolation from pathogens contributes to preventing infection rather than defining susceptibility. A person undergoing treatment may or may not be a susceptible host, depending on the nature of their treatment and its effects on their immune system.