A 69-year-old retired army general develops pneumonia after his diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The organism isolated in his sputum culture is an oxidase-positive, wrinkled, non-lactose fermenter with a musty odor that is arginine positive. He probably acquired this organism from

Question

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The organism described is likely Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known for its oxidase-positive, non-lactose fermenting characteristics, and distinctive musty odor. This bacterium is commonly found in soil and water, including in tropical regions such as Vietnam, making exposure through aerosols in such environments a plausible source of infection for the retired army general.

A 69-Year-Old Retired Army General Develops Pneumonia After His Diagnosis