Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Streptococcus pneumoniae is particularly associated with which type of pneumonia?

1. Pneumonia following flu

2. Pneumonia associated with cold sores

3. Aspiration pneumonia

4. Hospital-acquired pneumonia

The correct answer is: Pneumonia associated with cold sores

Streptococcus pneumoniae is primarily known for its role in community-acquired pneumonia, which can be particularly relevant following respiratory infections such as the flu. This organism thrives in the context of viral infections that can compromise the respiratory tract, making the lung tissue more susceptible to bacterial invasion. In cases of influenza, the damage to the lungs provides an opportunity for S. pneumoniae to establish infection, making pneumonia following the flu the most associated scenario. This aligns with epidemiological patterns observed in clinical settings, where patients who have recently had influenza are at increased risk for developing pneumonia due to secondary bacterial infections, with S. pneumoniae being a common pathogen. The other options do not reflect the most common association with S. pneumoniae. For example, pneumonia associated with cold sores typically refers to herpes simplex virus infections rather than a direct relationship with S. pneumoniae. Aspiration pneumonia generally results from the inhalation of oropharyngeal contents and is more commonly associated with anaerobic bacteria. Similarly, hospital-acquired pneumonia often involves different pathogens, given that the infectious agents present in a hospital setting can differ significantly from those causing community-acquired infections.