Sepsis can happen to anyone with infection. However certain factors increase the risk of sepsis among people. Some such factors are noted below:

Sex: According to the available studies men are more prone to sepsis as compared to women.

Age: People who are above 60 years are more prone to sepsis. Even infants have higher chances to have this problem.

Race: Blacks are at a higher risk as compared to whites. This is what studies say.  

Gene: Sometimes genetic factors might be responsible for development of sepsis in a person.

Apart from this the higher chances of sepsis are among those who have a weak immune system. Compromised immune system is more prone to sepsis. An immune system is mainly weakened by cancer or cancer treatment, kidney failure, AIDS. Patients who have diabetes, pneumonia, severe injury or burns are at a higher risk of sepsis. People who are hospitalized also face the risk of sepsis if the staff is ignorant or standardized treatment protocols are ignored. The chances or risk of sepsis is also high among people, who have artificial joints, breathing tube etc. Sometimes post organ transplants anti-rejection drugs are recommended. This can weaken the immune system and thus increase the risk of sepsis.