Microbiology: A Systems Approach 4th Edition by Marjorie Kelly Cowan

Exercise 30

A 20-year-old male came to the ER with symptoms of a nearly closed-off airway and systemic shock. He was treated immediately with steroids to bring down the swelling in his neck and treat the shock. Culturing of blood specimens revealed the presence of gram-negative pleomorphic rods. Five days previously, he had gone to the doctor with a severe sore throat. His strep test was negative so the doctor prescribed no antibiotics. What disease is the patient suffering from