Radiographic examination of a patient with fever and productive cough reveals an area of consolidation with expansion of a lobe. Infection with which organisms is most likely?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Consolidation and lobar expansion on radiographic examination are characteristic of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Additionally, Klebsiella pneumoniae is associated with a more severe form of pneumonia and is commonly seen in patients with underlying comorbidities, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, but it typically presents with a lobar or multilobar pattern of consolidation without significant lobar expansion. Streptococcus pyogenes is more commonly associated with pharyngitis and skin infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia and is typically seen in immunocompromised patients.

Radiographic Examination of a Patient with Fever and Productive Cough