Yes, there are certain populations and groups that are at a higher risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) than others. Here are some key factors to consider:

Recipient factors:

• Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or people with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to infections from even small amounts of pathogens in donated blood.
• Newborn babies and infants: Their immature immune systems make them more vulnerable to infections, especially those caused by viruses and bacteria not routinely screened for in blood donations.
• Recipients of large volumes of blood: People requiring multiple or large transfusions are exposed to a greater volume of blood, increasing the potential for encountering an infected donor.
• Recipients of specific blood components: Certain blood products, like platelets or plasma, may carry a higher risk of transmitting certain infections depending on the screening methods used.

Donor factors:

• Travel history: Individuals who have recently traveled to areas with high prevalence of certain infections, such as malaria or Chagas disease, may be at higher risk of carrying those pathogens.
• High-risk behaviors: Individuals with a history of intravenous drug use, unprotected sex, or other activities that increase the risk of contracting bloodborne infections are considered higher risk donors.
• Undiagnosed infections: Even with rigorous screening, some infections can be missed or may not have symptoms at the time of donation.

Other factors:

• Blood shortage: In situations where blood is scarce, there may be pressure to relax screening criteria, potentially increasing the risk of TTIs.
• Emerging infectious diseases: New or previously unknown pathogens can pose challenges for existing screening methods, potentially increasing the risk of transmission until new detection methods are developed.