Which type of necrosis is characteristically seen in solid organs infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
- A Caseous necrosis ✓
- B Liquefactive necrosis
- C Gangrenous necrosis
- D Fat necrosis
Correct answer: A. Caseous necrosis
Explanation
Caseous necrosis is the hallmark of tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections; grossly, the necrotic tissue has a soft, white, cheese-like (caseous) appearance. Microscopically, it shows a structureless, granular, eosinophilic zone of dead cells that has lost all architectural detail, surrounded by epithelioid macrophages and Langhans giant cells. Liquefactive necrosis typifies brain infarcts and bacterial abscesses.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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