Which statement is true regarding postoperative infections in rodents?

• A. Infections occur only if aseptic technique is not used.
• B. Subclinical infections are always obvious.
• C. Rodents never develop subclinical infections.
• D. They are susceptible to subclinical infections after surgery.

Answer: (D)

Postoperative infections can be subclinical in rodents, meaning an infection exists without obvious signs. After surgery, bacteria can colonize a wound or internal site and linger at low levels, not producing clear illness. Aseptic technique reduces, but does not guarantee, zero risk of infection; factors like minor contamination, stress, or individual immune variation can still allow a low-grade infection to occur unseen. Because subclinical infections don’t show obvious symptoms, vigilance relies on subtle clues such as slight changes in appetite, activity, wound appearance, or behavior, and may require diagnostic checks to detect. Hence, rodents are susceptible to subclinical infections after surgery.