Which of the following is NOT a sign of infection?

Increased appetite is not typically associated with infection, making it the correct choice for what does not signify an infection. Infection is characterized by a body’s response to pathogens, which usually results in physical signs such as redness, swelling, and the presence of pus.

Redness occurs due to increased blood flow to the area as the body responds to the infection, while swelling involves the accumulation of fluid in the tissues as part of the inflammatory response. The presence of pus is a direct indicator of infection, signifying that white blood cells are working to fight off invaders, resulting in the accumulation of dead cells, bacteria, and other debris.

In contrast, increased appetite is more often linked to overall health or metabolic states rather than the body's defensive reactions to infectious agents. In fact, during infections, many individuals may experience a reduced appetite as the body focuses its resources on fighting off the infection.