What condition occurs when the pleural cavity is infected with microorganisms?

The condition that occurs when the pleural cavity becomes infected with microorganisms is known as pleurisy. This inflammation can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, a process referred to as pleural effusion. In cases where the infection is severe, it can develop into empyema, which is the presence of pus in the pleural cavity.

Pleurisy is characterized by sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, and the patient may exhibit symptoms such as fever and difficulty breathing due to the infection and inflammation. Understanding the role of the pleura and how infections can affect it is essential in the practice of pathology, especially in the context of infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system.

Other choices, while related to respiratory conditions, do not pertain to infections of the pleural cavity. Pneumothorax involves the presence of air in the pleural space, bronchiectasis refers to the abnormal dilation of the bronchial tubes commonly due to chronic infection or inflammation, and asthma is a chronic airway condition characterized by reversible airway obstruction. Each of these conditions affects different parts of the respiratory system but does not involve an infection in the pleural cavity like pleurisy does.