Which statement is true regarding postoperative infections?

• A. Subclinical infections are possible after surgery.
• B. Subclinical infections do not occur.
• C. All infections are always obvious.
• D. Infections are prevented completely by aseptic technique.

Answer: (A)

Postoperative infections can exist without obvious signs, so the statement that subclinical infections are possible after surgery is correct. In mice, as in other animals, bacteria can colonize a wound or implant and either trigger only mild symptoms or remain detectable only through subtle changes such as slight swelling, discharge, or small shifts in behavior or weight. Because these infections may be hidden or muted, relying on visible symptoms alone isn’t enough; careful monitoring and sometimes diagnostic testing are needed.

It’s also important to recognize that infections are not always obvious, which is why the idea that all infections are always clear is inaccurate. And even with strict aseptic technique, infections are not completely prevented—breaches can occur, low-level organisms can slip in, or host factors can allow infection to develop despite best practices.