The presence of pus is a sign of which type of infection?

• A. Viral infection
• B. Bacterial infection
• C. Fungal infection
• D. Contagious disease

Answer: (B)

Presence of pus signals a bacterial infection. Pus is a thick, yellowish or greenish fluid made up of dead white blood cells (neutrophils), bacteria, and tissue debris that the body sends to battle invading bacteria. This pyogenic response is typical of bacterial infections and isn’t a common hallmark of viral infections, which usually show different symptoms like clear drainage or systemic signs, or fungal infections, which have their own distinct presentations. Contagious disease describes how an illness spreads, not a type of infection itself. In practice, if pus is present, stop the service, follow standard precautions, and advise the client to seek medical evaluation.