What term describes focal neutrophil collections within tissue, often in infection?

• A. Macroabscess
• B. Microabscess
• C. Abscess
• D. Pustule

Answer: (B)

Small, focal pockets of pus composed mainly of neutrophils in tissue are called microabscesses. The “micro” prefix signals their tiny size and their nature as localized sites of acute neutrophilic inflammation often arising in infection. Histologically you’d see a small, neutrophil-rich focus, sometimes with a necrotic center, inside the tissue. This differs from a macroabscess, which is a larger pus-filled collection; an abscess, in general, refers to a pus-filled cavity; and a pustule is a small, superficial lesion filled with pus on skin or mucosa. Microabscess best matches the description of focal neutrophil collections within tissue in infection.