People at greatest risk for pneumococcal infections include all the following, except Multiple Choice young infants.
patients without a spleen.
those with underlying lung disease and viral infections.
elderly.
adolescents and young adults.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: E. Adolescents and young adults.
Explanation:
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. This pathogen can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia (blood infection), and otitis media (middle ear infection). However, not everyone is equally at risk. The populations most vulnerable to severe pneumococcal disease tend to have either immature, weakened, or compromised immune systems.
Let’s analyze each group:
- Young infants are at high risk because their immune systems are still developing. They are less capable of mounting an effective defense against bacterial pathogens, including S. pneumoniae.
- Patients without a spleen (asplenia) are highly susceptible because the spleen plays a critical role in filtering bacteria from the blood. Without it, the risk of overwhelming infections, including pneumococcal sepsis, is significantly increased.
- Individuals with underlying lung disease (such as COPD or asthma) or those with viral infections (e.g., influenza) are also at elevated risk. Viral infections can damage the respiratory tract, making it easier for bacteria to invade. Chronic lung diseases impair the lungs’ natural defenses.
- The elderly (typically 65 years and older) face increased risk due to the natural decline in immune function with age (immunosenescence) and a higher likelihood of having chronic conditions that impair their ability to fight infection.
- Adolescents and young adults, in contrast, are generally not at high risk for severe pneumococcal infections. Their immune systems are usually strong and fully developed, and they are less likely to have the chronic health problems that increase vulnerability.
Conclusion:
While pneumococcal disease can technically affect anyone, adolescents and young adults are the least likely among the listed groups to develop severe illness from it. Therefore, the correct answer is E. Adolescents and young adults.