abscess n. a localized collection of pus and necrotic tissue anywhere in the body, sur¬rounded and walled ofTby damaged and inflamed tissues. A *boil is an example of an abscess within the skin. The usual cause is local bacterial infection, often by staphylo-cocci, that the body"s defences have failed to overcome. In a cold abscess, due to tuber¬cle bacilli, there is swelling, but little pain or inflammation (as in acute abscesses).
Antibiotics, aided by surgical incision to re¬lease pus where necessary, are the usual forms of treatment.The brain and its meninges have a low re¬sistance to infection and a cerebral abscess is liable to follow any penetration of these by microorganisms. The condition is fatal unless relieved by aspiration or surgical drainage.
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