The presence of leukocytes in a fecal smear would best indicate ________ infection.

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The presence of leukocytes (white blood cells) in a fecal smear could indicate an enteroinvasive infection, which is caused by bacteria that invade and destroy the cells lining the intestinal wall. Common enteroinvasive bacteria include Shigella and certain strains of Escherichia coli. Hepatitis B, varicella, meningococcal, and tuberculosis infections would not typically be diagnosed by analyzing a fecal smear.

The Presence of Leukocytes in a Fecal Smear Would Best