Final answer:
An abscess contains a purulent exudate, which is a thick, colored discharge formed from dead pathogens, white blood cells, and tissue fluid indicative of a bacterial infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
An abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by an infection, typically bacteria. It surrounds the infected area, with the body’s immune response sending white blood cells to the site to contain the infection and prevent it from spreading. This leads to a build-up of dead pathogens, white blood cells (primarily neutrophils), and tissue fluid, which forms the characteristic pus found within an abscess.
The type of exudate present in an abscess is purulent exudate, which is indicative of a suppurative or pus-producing infection. Purulent exudate is thick, often has a color ranging from cream to green and is associated with bacterial infections. It is frequently encountered in skin conditions like acne, where infected hair follicles become inflamed and pus-filled, or in more severe infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, where the rapid accumulation of pus can be a sign of a serious and rapidly progressing infection.
Therefore, an abscess contains a purulent exudate.