Which of the following groups is considered at higher risk for bloodstream infections?

The elderly and infants are indeed considered at higher risk for bloodstream infections due to several physiological and immunological factors.

In older adults, the aging immune system is often less robust, which makes them more susceptible to infections, including bloodstream infections. Their overall health may also be compromised by existing chronic conditions, medications that suppress immunity, and other factors that contribute to a decreased ability to fight off pathogens.

Infants, especially neonates, also face a heightened risk due to their immature immune systems. They have not yet developed the full range of immune defenses that allow older children and adults to effectively combat infections. This vulnerability makes early detection and prevention measures crucial when addressing potential bloodstream infections in this age group.

Pregnant women do experience physiological changes and may have an increased risk of certain infections, but this risk is generally not as pronounced as in the elderly and infants. Active adults and young children are typically at lower risk compared to these two vulnerable populations.

Overall, the combination of age-related factors and the stages of immune system development in the elderly and infants make them particularly susceptible to bloodstream infections, justifying the selection of this group as being at higher risk.