Match each pediatric patient's clinical vignette with the most likely causative viral pathogen.
- A 10-month-old infant develops a temperature of 39.5°C (103.1°F) for 3 days with mild irritability but an otherwise normal examination. The fever abruptly resolves on the fourth day, immediately followed by the eruption of a blanching maculopapular rash on the trunk.Human herpesvirus 6
- A 16-year-old unimmunized adolescent presents with a 2-day history of low-grade fever and tender suboccipital and postauricular swelling. Today, a fine pink maculopapular rash appeared on the face and spread rapidly down to the trunk.Rubella virus
- A 4-year-old unimmunized child presents with high fever, harsh cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. Tiny white lesions are seen on the buccal mucosa. A confluent erythematous rash began at the hairline and is spreading downward.Measles virus
- A 6-year-old boy presents with bright red, warm cheeks. Two days later, a symmetric, reticular, erythematous eruption appears on his extremities. He had mild upper respiratory symptoms a week prior.Parvovirus B19
Answer
The correct matches are: the infant with sudden rash after fever cessation to Human herpesvirus 6; the adolescent with postauricular lymphadenopathy to Rubella virus; the child with cough, coryza, and Koplik spots to Measles virus; and the boy with the slapped-cheek appearance to Parvovirus B19.
Each classical pediatric exanthem is associated with a distinct viral pathogen and a unique clinical pattern. Accurately matching the onset of rash relative to fever, the physical characteristics of the rash, and specific prodromal symptoms (such as lymphadenopathy or Koplik spots) directly identifies the causative agent.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Clinical differentiation of classic pediatric viral exanthems based on prodrome, timing of fever, and rash morphology.
Estimated Time:1m 30s