A 1-year-old child presents with high fever, toxic appearance, and rapid worsening of pneumonia. Chest X-ray shows multiple thin-walled air-filled cysts (pneumatoceles) in the right lung. What is the most likely causative organism?
- A Staphylococcus aureus ✓
- B Haemophilus influenzae
- C Streptococcus pneumoniae
- D Klebsiella pneumoniae
Correct answer: A. Staphylococcus aureus
Explanation
Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia is characterized by rapid progression, toxic appearance, and pneumatoceles on chest X-ray. It commonly affects infants and young children. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes lobar consolidation without pneumatoceles. Klebsiella is uncommon in immunocompetent children. Haemophilus influenzae is now rare due to vaccination.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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