Who is considered a susceptible host in the chain of infection?

In the context of the chain of infection, a susceptible host is defined as an individual who is at increased risk of infection. This can be due to a variety of factors such as age, underlying health conditions, weakened immune systems, or other vulnerabilities that make them more likely to develop an infection when exposed to pathogens.

This concept is crucial for understanding infection control within healthcare settings. A susceptible host provides an opportunity for the infectious agent to thrive and propagate, especially when it follows a pathway where the agent comes from a reservoir or source and enters the host. Recognizing who these susceptible hosts are enables healthcare workers to implement appropriate measures to protect these individuals, thereby breaking the chain of infection and preventing the spread of diseases.

The other options describe individuals who do not fit the definition of a susceptible host, such as those who are already infected, healthy individuals with robust immunity, or individuals who have recovered from an infection. Each of these does not represent the vulnerability characteristic of a susceptible host.