Question

A patient has been diagnosed with acute rhinosinusitis. What is the most likely etiology?

1) Strept organisms
2) Staph organisms
3) Viral pathogens
4) Mycoplasma

Answer 1

Acute rhinosinusitis is most commonly caused by viral pathogens, often following a viral upper respiratory infection such as the common cold, before bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae may contribute.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely etiology of acute rhinosinusitis is viral pathogens. This condition is frequently triggered by a viral upper respiratory infection, which compromises the immune defenses, allowing for secondary bacterial infections. The most common bacterial causes of acute rhinosinusitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. However, the initial infection typically involves viruses such as rhinoviruses, which predominate among the more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold.