Cell present in large numbers in the peritonel fluid of Tuberculous peritonitis are –
**Core Concept**
Tuberculous peritonitis is a rare but serious complication of tuberculosis, where the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infect the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. The immune response to this infection involves the activation of various cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In tuberculous peritonitis, the peritoneal fluid often contains a high number of activated macrophages, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response to M. tuberculosis. These macrophages are often seen in clusters or aggregates, and are a hallmark of the disease. The presence of these cells in the peritoneal fluid is a diagnostic clue for tuberculous peritonitis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the peritoneal fluid in tuberculous peritonitis does not typically contain a large number of neutrophils, which are typically seen in acute bacterial infections.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because eosinophils are typically seen in parasitic infections, such as ascariasis or hookworm infestation.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because plasma cells are typically seen in chronic infections, such as subacute bacterial endocarditis or chronic bronchitis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's worth noting that the presence of a high number of activated macrophages in the peritoneal fluid can also be seen in other conditions, such as sarcoidosis or histoplasmosis. Therefore, a diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis should be made based on a combination of clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings.
**Correct Answer:** C.