A patient has a paroxysmal cough and mucus accumulation. What is the etiology of the symptoms?
A) Mycoplasma
B) Burkholderia
C) Bordetella
D) Mycobacterium
E) Corynebacterium

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with pertussis, which is caused by the gram-negative bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Mycoplasma pneumonia can also cause cough and mucus accumulation, but it usually presents as a more gradual onset pneumonia rather than paroxysmal cough. Burkholderia and Corynebacterium are unlikely causes of these symptoms. Mycobacterium can cause a chronic cough, but would typically present with constitutional symptoms and chest imaging abnormalities.

A Patient Has a Paroxysmal Cough and Mucus Accumulation