Final answer:
An alcoholic patient with currant jelly sputum most likely has pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, treated with antibiotics such as third-generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely causative agent of pneumonia in an alcoholic patient with currant jelly sputum is Klebsiella pneumoniae. Currant jelly sputum is a classic symptom associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, which often occurs in individuals with a history of alcoholism. This gram-negative rod bacterium is a facultative anaerobe that can cause severe community-acquired pneumonia characterized by a thick, bloody, and mucoid expectorate.
Treatment generally includes a regimen of antibiotics, and the choice of antibiotic depends on local resistance patterns and the patient's health profile. Empirical treatment might typically start with third-generation cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime or a respiratory fluoroquinolone like levofloxacin or moxifloxacin. While the exact choice might vary, it's essential to start with broad-spectrum antibiotics and adjust based on culture and sensitivity results when available.