A 3 year old white female presents to your office with 4 day duration of increased fussiness, low grade fever, and intermittent tugging of the ears. Exam reveals bulging erythematous tympanic membranes that lack mobility, loss of landmarks, and low grade fever. What is the most likely etiologic agent?
A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
B. Hemophilus influenzae B
C. Moraxella catarrhalis
D. Virus
E. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The correct answer is A. Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The symptoms and examination findings are consistent with acute otitis media (AOM), a common infection in children. The most likely etiologic agents of AOM in children are:
1. Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common)
2. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
3. Moraxella catarrhalis