Who is at risk for immunosuppression?

• A. Cancer/chemotherapy patients and HIV/AIDS only
• B. HIV/AIDS and Burn patients only
• C. Cancer/chemotherapy patients, HIV/AIDS, and Burn patients
• D. Healthy adults

Answer: (C)

Immunosuppression means the immune system is weakened and less able to fight infections, which puts people at higher risk for serious infections. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy often develop neutropenia and other immune cell deficits, making it harder to mount a proper defense against pathogens. HIV/AIDS directly depletes CD4+ T cells, crippling cellular immunity and opening the door to opportunistic infections. Burn injuries disrupt the skin barrier and trigger immune system changes, increasing susceptibility to infection as the body’s defenses are compromised. Because of these factors, all three groups are at risk. Healthy adults, on the other hand, typically have intact immune function and are not considered immunosuppressed.