Question

The most common bacterial cause of rhinitis is?

• A. Haemophilus influenzae
• B. Streptococcus haemolyticus
• C. Pasteurella multocida
• D. Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Hint:

Think of the respiratory trio that also causes otitis media and sinusitis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Most rhinitis is viral in origin (viral rhinitis or the common cold). The question asks specifically for the most common bacterial cause, so we focus on the bacterial flora that cause acute bacterial rhinitis or its complications.

Step 2: Acute bacterial rhinitis is seen mainly in children, and in adults after nasal trauma, a viral upper respiratory infection, or surgery. Its clinical picture can be identical to the common cold.

Step 3: The common bacterial organisms are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Among the listed options, Haemophilus influenzae is the recognised answer.

Step 4: Streptococcus haemolyticus, Pasteurella multocida (animal bite flora) and Corynebacterium diphtheriae are not typical causes of ordinary bacterial rhinitis, so they are excluded.