VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
**Core Concept**
The question tests the student's knowledge of common causes of adult community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which is a significant concern in elderly patients, especially those with a history of smoking. **Community-acquired pneumonia** refers to pneumonia acquired outside of hospitals or other healthcare facilities. The underlying principle involves understanding the typical pathogens involved in CAP.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Given the options are missing, we'll focus on the general approach to identifying the correct answer. Typically, **Streptococcus pneumoniae**, **Haemophilus influenzae**, and **Moraxella catarrhalis** are common causes of CAP. Atypical bacteria like **Mycoplasma pneumoniae**, **Chlamydophila pneumoniae**, and **Legionella pneumophila** are also significant. The correct answer would be an agent not commonly associated with adult CAP.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Without the specific option, we can't directly address it, but generally, common CAP pathogens are not incorrect.
**Option B:** Similarly, without specifics, we can't comment directly, but atypical bacteria can cause CAP.
**Option C:** Again, lacking specifics, but typical bacterial causes are often considered.
**Option D:** This would depend on the agent listed, but agents like **Pseudomonas aeruginosa** are more commonly associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia or specific risk factors.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the diagnosis and treatment of CAP should be guided by the patient's severity of illness, comorbidities, and recent antibiotic use. **Streptococcus pneumoniae** remains a leading cause of CAP, and its coverage is crucial in empirical antibiotic regimens.
**Correct Answer:** Correct Answer: D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa.