PSI Barbering Practice Exam

The presence of pus is a sign of what type of condition?

1. Bacterial infection

2. Viral infection

3. Fungal infection

4. Autoimmune disorder

The correct answer is: Bacterial infection

The presence of pus is typically indicative of a bacterial infection. Pus is a thick fluid that primarily consists of white blood cells, bacteria, tissue debris, and serum. It forms as a result of the body's immune response to an infection, where white blood cells rush to the site of the infection to fight off the invading bacteria. This accumulation of dead cells and bacteria, along with their byproducts, creates the characteristic appearance of pus. In contrast, viral infections often do not result in the formation of pus, as the immune response to viruses involves different cellular mechanisms. Fungal infections may lead to pus in some cases but are more commonly associated with other types of symptoms, such as redness, itchiness, or scaling. Autoimmune disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues and do not typically produce pus unless there is a secondary bacterial infection associated with the autoimmune condition. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of pus and the immune response helps clarify that its presence is more directly related to a bacterial infection.