Which stage of inflammation can occur before resolution if pyogenic bacteria are present?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of the body's response to infection, particularly with pyogenic bacteria, which are known to cause pus formation. Suppuration is a stage characterized by the production of pus, which is a thick fluid consisting of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. This stage is usually a defense mechanism employed by the body to isolate and eliminate the infectious agents.

When pyogenic bacteria are present, the acute inflammatory response may progress to suppuration before resolution occurs. This progression indicates that the infection has escalated, leading to the accumulation of pus as the immune system actively works to combat the bacteria. The presence of pus is a significant clinical indicator of infection and suggests that the body's inflammatory process is still actively fighting off the offending organisms.

In contrast, acute inflammation represents the initial response to injury or infection, while chronic inflammation is a prolonged response that can result from unresolved acute inflammation. Exudation refers to the process of fluid leaking into tissues, which can occur in both acute and chronic inflammation but does not specifically indicate pus formation like suppuration does. Thus, when dealing with pyogenic bacteria and the formation of pus, suppuration is the most precise term to describe that stage of inflammation.