Which of the following is NOT a physiological defense mechanism against infection?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of physiological defense mechanisms. Inflammation, fever, and antibody production are all integral components of the body's immune response that aim to protect against infections.

Inflammation is a localized response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. It helps to isolate and eliminate pathogens and promotes healing. Fever is a systemic response that raises the body temperature to create an environment less conducive to the growth of certain pathogens, as well as to enhance the efficiency of the immune response. Antibody production involves B cells in the immune system creating specific proteins that bind to antigens on pathogens, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells.

In contrast, scrubbing is not a physiological mechanism; it refers more to a physical action of cleaning or disinfecting surfaces. While personal hygiene practices like handwashing are important for infection control, they do not represent an internal physiological mechanism that occurs within the body to combat infections. Hence, the answer is rooted in a clear distinction between bodily responses (physiological) and external practices.