Question

A 4-year-old boy currently hospitalized with pneumonia develops vomiting and stiff neck. The new symptoms are followed by a seizure. On physical examination, he is febrile and has signs of meningeal irritation. A lumbar puncture is done to determine if he has meningitis.

What organism is most likely causing his meningitis?

Answer 1

A 4-year-old boy showing symptoms of meningitis, including vomiting and stiff neck, is most likely infected by Streptococcus pneumoniae. A lumbar puncture is needed for diagnosis, and if bacterial meningitis is confirmed, immediate antibiotic treatment is critical.

Step-by-step explanation:

The case of a 4-year-old boy with pneumonia developing vomiting, stiff neck, and a seizure suggests the possibility of meningitis. Given the age of the patient and the symptoms described, the most likely causative organism for the meningitis is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

This encapsulated bacteria is a common cause of meningitis in young children. A lumbar puncture is the primary test for diagnosing meningitis, which is a life-threatening infection of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) causing inflammation of the meninges, the layers covering the brain and spinal cord.

If the meningitis is bacterial, as suggested by the symptoms, immediate treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent serious complications, including brain damage and death.