Question:

What is the most common bacterial cause of lower respiratory tract infection in a 3 year old child?

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Among bacteria, pneumococcus leads childhood pneumonia (RSV leads overall).
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Klebsiella
  • H. influenzae
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Staphylococcus aureus
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Separate viral from bacterial causes. Overall, the most common cause of pneumonia in children is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with influenza virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza virus also contributing.

Step 2: Identify the leading bacterium. Among bacterial causes, the most common cause of pediatric pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). The options here are all bacteria, so the question is asking for the leading bacterial pathogen.

Step 3: Choose and justify. Therefore Streptococcus pneumoniae is the answer. Klebsiella, H. influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus can all cause pneumonia in children but are less common than pneumococcus. Mycoplasma and chlamydia are the usual causes of atypical pneumonia.
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