Which patient population is most susceptible to infections due to weakened immune systems?

Organ transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable to infections because of the immunosuppressive therapy they typically undergo to prevent organ rejection. These medications weaken the immune system's ability to respond to pathogens, making recipients more susceptible to infections that a healthy individual might easily fend off.

After an organ transplant, the body’s defenses are intentionally lowered to protect the transplanted organ, which can leave patients at an increased risk for opportunistic infections and other illnesses. This vulnerability is further heightened if the patient has a history of other underlying health issues, making infection control measures and monitoring essential in this population.

Healthy adults generally have robust immune systems, while children under five and older adults without comorbidities may face some risk, but their immune responses are often less compromised compared to individuals who have undergone organ transplants.