5.6:
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The susceptibility to infection depends on several factors.
If the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes is compromised, the chance of infection, limb amputation, and even death increases.
A reduction in the integrity or count of the white blood cells can limit the body's resistance to pathogens.
An imbalance in the pH levels of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, or skin may predispose individuals to infections.
A compromised innate or acquired immune system lowers the body's ability to fight infection. For example, alteration in the normal flora with antibiotics can cause an overgrowth of inherently pathogenic microorganisms.
An increased stress level suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness.
Likewise, age, gender, race, and genetics affect susceptibility. For example, the elderly are less able to fight off infectious diseases.
Even fatigue, nutrition, and general health statuses affect the hosts' susceptibility. For instance, undernutrition causes immunosuppression.
Pre-existing illnesses, previous or current treatments, and certain medications influence the hosts' susceptibility.
5.6:
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create a hostile environment for the colonization of pathogens. This means that a pH imbalance may predispose individuals to infections.
Natural or acquired immunity produces antibodies that resist infection. When an individual's immunity is affected, it lowers the body's ability to fight infection. An increased stress level may suppress the immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness.
Age, sex, race, and genetics influence susceptibility. Regarding age, the elderly are more likely to acquire an infectious disease. Levels of fatigue, nutritional, and general health status also affect the hosts' susceptibility. For instance, undernutrition causes immunosuppression, which later increases the chances of infection.
Pre-existing illnesses, previous or current treatments, and certain medications affect the hosts' susceptibility. For example, individuals with pre-existing diabetes are at greater risk of complications from COVID-19.