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What is the most likely pneumonia bug in a patient who just skinned a rabbit?

1) Streptococcus pneumoniae
2) Klebsiella pneumoniae
3) Legionella pneumophila
4) Francisella tularensis

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

The likely causative agent of pneumonia in a patient who skinned a rabbit is Francisella tularensis, which causes tularemia. The correct option is 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely pneumonia-causing organism in a patient who just skinned a rabbit is Francisella tularensis, which causes a zoonotic infection known as tularemia or rabbit fever. This gram-negative bacterium is highly infectious and is transmitted through handling of infected animal tissues like those of a rabbit.

Pulmonary infections due to F. tularensis can have a 30%-60% fatality rate if untreated, highlighting the importance of distinguishing it from other pneumonia-causing organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Legionella pneumophila.

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