Epiglottitis is most commonly caused by which bacterium?

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Multiple Choice

Epiglottitis is most commonly caused by which bacterium?

Epiglottitis is typically caused by a bacterial invasion that leads to rapid swelling of the epiglottis. The organism most commonly implicated is Haemophilus influenzae type B, historically the leading cause in children before Hib vaccination. It colonizes the nasopharynx and can invade the epiglottis, creating swift edema and potential airway obstruction, which is why this bacterium is the standard answer on exams. Vaccination has greatly reduced its incidence, but Hib remains the classic etiologic agent associated with epiglottitis. Other bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus parainfluenzae can cause epiglottitis in some cases, but they are not the most common cause.

Epiglottitis is typically caused by a bacterial invasion that leads to rapid swelling of the epiglottis. The organism most commonly implicated is Haemophilus influenzae type B, historically the leading cause in children before Hib vaccination. It colonizes the nasopharynx and can invade the epiglottis, creating swift edema and potential airway obstruction, which is why this bacterium is the standard answer on exams. Vaccination has greatly reduced its incidence, but Hib remains the classic etiologic agent associated with epiglottitis. Other bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus parainfluenzae can cause epiglottitis in some cases, but they are not the most common cause.

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