Which type of organisms would present a higher infection risk in a laboratory setting?

Immunocompromised animals present a higher infection risk in a laboratory setting due to their weakened immune systems. These animals are more susceptible to infections because their body’s ability to fight off pathogens is significantly compromised. This can be due to various factors such as congenital conditions, exposure to immunosuppressive drugs, or underlying diseases. As a result, any pathogens present in their environment or administered during procedures pose a greater threat to their health and pose an increased risk for spreading infections.

In contrast, young animals typically have active immune systems, although they may not have fully developed immunity. Healthy animals also have intact immune responses that can effectively manage infection risks. Therefore, when considering infection risk, the focus on immunocompromised animals highlights the critical need for precautions and specific handling guidelines in laboratory settings to minimize the chances of infection transmission and complications associated with their health status.