A 7-Year-Old Boy Is Evaluated for a Foot Wound

A 7-year-old boy is evaluated for a foot wound.  He sustained a splinter injury to his left foot while playing in the yard several days ago and has continued to have purulent drainage from the wound.  The patient has no significant medical history and is up to date with all recommended vaccinations.  Wound examination reveals a small retained foreign body with surrounding necrotic tissue and pus.  Anaerobic culture of the wound swab grows thin, gram-positive rods with terminal spore, which is biochemically identified as Clostridium tetani.  Which of the following most likely protected this patient from developing neurological symptoms of the infection?

A) Activated macrophages capable of killing the bacteria
B) Circulating antibodies that activate complement
C) Circulating antibodies that neutralize bacterial products
D) Neutrophil infiltration of the wound with lysosomal enzyme release
E) Sensitized CD8⁺ lymphocytes capable of killing the bacteria

Correct Answer:

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