A stool specimen from a child with diarrhea shows the presence of neutrophils and red blood cells. This is most suggestive of which of the following conditions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of neutrophils and red blood cells in a stool specimen is indicative of an inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal tract, which is most commonly caused by bacterial gastroenteritis. This suggests an invasion of the intestinal mucosa by pathogenic bacteria, leading to inflammation and bleeding.

A Stool Specimen from a Child with Diarrhea Shows the Presence