PLAB Question 16

A 25 year old man has a three day history of shivering, general malaise and productive cough. The x-ray shows right lower lobe consolidation.

What is the most likely pathogen?

a) Mycobacterium avium complex
b) Coxiella burnetii
c) Escherichia coli (Gram -ve)
d) Haemophilus influenzae
e) Legionella pneumophila
f) Strep pneumococcus
g) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
h) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
i) Pneumocystis carinii
j) Staphylococcus aureus

ANSWER
The correct answer is F



Explanation
Pneumococcal pneumonia most commonly presents as a segmental or lobar alveolar consolidation.
Pleural effusion can be found in 20-60% of cases. Cavitation is very uncommon with pneumococcal infection.