A 3-year-old child presents with high fever, cough, and respiratory distress for 2 days. Chest X-ray shows homogeneous opacity involving the entire right lower lobe with air bronchograms. What is the most likely causative organism?
- A Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- B Haemophilus influenzae type b
- C Streptococcus pneumoniae ✓
- D Staphylococcus aureus
Correct answer: C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Explanation
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of community-acquired lobar pneumonia in children beyond the neonatal period. The presentation with high fever, lobar consolidation, and air bronchograms is classic. Mycoplasma causes patchy infiltrates. Staphylococcus causes rapid progression with pneumatoceles. Hib is now rare due to vaccination.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.