Match each pediatric respiratory or upper airway infectious clinical presentation with its most likely causative pathogen.
- An unimmunized 4-year-old presenting with a toxic appearance, excessive drooling, a muffled voice, and sitting in a tripod position.Haemophilus influenzae type b
- A 3-year-old presenting with a harsh, seal-like barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and a 'steeple sign' noted on a neck radiograph.Parainfluenza virus
- A 5-month-old presenting during winter with profuse rhinorrhea, tachypnea, expiratory wheezing, and subcostal retractions.Respiratory syncytial virus
- A 6-year-old with a prolonged illness characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched intake of breath and occasional post-tussive emesis.Bordetella pertussis
Answer
The unimmunized child with drooling and tripod positioning matches Haemophilus influenzae type b (epiglottitis). The child with a barking cough and stridor matches Parainfluenza virus (croup). The wheezing infant matches Respiratory syncytial virus (bronchiolitis). The child with coughing fits and post-tussive emesis matches Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough).
Each pediatric clinical vignette features hallmark signs of a specific infection that perfectly correlates with its classic pathogen. Epiglottitis is marked by the '3 Ds' (Drooling, Dysphagia, Distress) and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Croup features subglottic swelling ('steeple sign') due to Parainfluenza virus. Bronchiolitis is the classic RSV infection in infants, and whooping cough is uniquely caused by Bordetella pertussis.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Classic presentations of pediatric respiratory pathogens
Estimated Time:45s