Which group would be least susceptible to foodborne illnesses?

Which group would be least susceptible to foodborne illnesses?

• A. A six month old infant
• B. A twenty eight year old
• C. A forty year old woman with breast cancer
• D. A eighteen year old teenage

Answer: (D)

The group with the strongest defenses against foodborne pathogens is the healthy adult. Foodborne illness risk is highest in those with immature or weakened immune systems—infants and people whose immune systems are compromised (like someone undergoing cancer treatment). An infant’s immune system isn’t fully developed, and a person with breast cancer may have a weakened immune response. Healthy teens and healthy young adults typically have robust immune defenses, and among the healthy options, a 28-year-old is a representative example of the lowest susceptibility due to mature and strong immune function. So the healthy adult in their twenties would be least susceptible, while the infant and the immunocompromised individual are more at risk.

The group with the strongest defenses against foodborne pathogens is the healthy adult. Foodborne illness risk is highest in those with immature or weakened immune systems—infants and people whose immune systems are compromised (like someone undergoing cancer treatment). An infant’s immune system isn’t fully developed, and a person with breast cancer may have a weakened immune response. Healthy teens and healthy young adults typically have robust immune defenses, and among the healthy options, a 28-year-old is a representative example of the lowest susceptibility due to mature and strong immune function. So the healthy adult in their twenties would be least susceptible, while the infant and the immunocompromised individual are more at risk.