Infection pathology: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Infection pathology

Sample item

What pattern of inflammation is typical of an abscess?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Localized neutrophil-rich suppuration

An abscess is a localized collection of pus composed mainly of neutrophils, necrotic debris, and fluid, usually due to pyogenic bacterial infection.

Option by option

  • A. No tissue reaction

    Abscesses produce marked tissue reaction rather than none.

  • B. Fibrosis without cells

    Fibrosis without inflammatory cells does not define an abscess.

  • C. Lymphocyte-only infiltrate

    Lymphocyte-only infiltrates are more typical of some chronic or viral processes.

  • D. Localized neutrophil-rich suppuration (correct)

    Correct: abscesses contain neutrophil-rich pus.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, Localized neutrophil-rich suppuration. An abscess is a localized collection of pus composed mainly of neutrophils, necrotic debris, and fluid, usually due to pyogenic bacterial infection.

Why is "No tissue reaction" not the answer?

Abscesses produce marked tissue reaction rather than none.

Why is "Fibrosis without cells" not the answer?

Fibrosis without inflammatory cells does not define an abscess.

Why is "Lymphocyte-only infiltrate" not the answer?

Lymphocyte-only infiltrates are more typical of some chronic or viral processes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infection pathology in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: abscesses contain neutrophil-rich pus.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infection pathology?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.