In the chain of infection, what is meant by the susceptible host?

• A. The route by which the pathogen exits the reservoir (portal of exit)
• B. The object or material that harbors the pathogen (reservoir)
• C. The microorganism that causes disease (infectious agent)
• D. An individual who lacks effective immunity to a pathogen and can become infected

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the chain of infection describes the sequence of events that allows a disease to spread from one host to another.
2. Identify the components of the chain: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
3. Focus on the term 'susceptible host,' which refers to the individual who can become infected because they lack immunity or resistance to the pathogen.
4. Recognize that a susceptible host is different from the infectious agent (the microorganism), the reservoir (where the pathogen lives), and the portal of exit (how the pathogen leaves the reservoir).
5. Conclude that the susceptible host is the person or organism vulnerable to infection due to factors like weakened immune system, age, or lack of prior exposure.