A 2-Hour-Old Girl Develops Tachypnea and Grunting in the Newborn

A 2-hour-old girl develops tachypnea and grunting in the newborn nursery.  The patient was born via cesarean delivery to a 26-year-old mother, gravida 2 para 2.  Respiratory rate is 82/min.  The other vital signs are within normal limits.  Physical examination shows grunting and subcostal retractions but clear lungs.  Blood culture reveals gram-positive rods after 11 hours of incubation.  Which of the following pathogens is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?

A) Clostridium tetani
B) Corynebacterium species
C) Escherichia coli
D) Listeria monocytogenes
E) Streptococcus agalactiae
F) Streptococcus pneumoniae

Correct Answer:

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