People taking corticosteroids are immunocompromised and prone to infections.

• A. Hyperimmune response
• B. No effect on immune system
• C. Decreased infection risk
• D. Immunocompromised and prone to infection

Answer: (D)

Corticosteroids dampen immune system activity by reducing cytokine production, inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation, and impairing macrophage function. This broad suppression makes it harder for the body to fight infections, so people taking steroids are immunocompromised and more prone to infections. The anti-inflammatory effect can also mask typical infection symptoms, requiring careful monitoring for subtle signs. Thus, the statement that steroids leave someone immunocompromised and more susceptible to infection best describes the effect. The idea of an hyperimmune response contradicts the action of steroids, and claiming no effect or a decreased infection risk is inaccurate given their immunosuppressive impact.