A Previously Healthy 43-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office During

A previously healthy 43-year-old man comes to the office during the early fall due to a 4-week history of cough.  He initially had a "bad cold" that lasted about 10 days.  The sneezing, runny nose, and muscle aches that accompanied the cold have improved, but the cough has persisted and worsened.  The patient has "bursts of coughing" for several minutes as he feels unable to clear the mucus.  On at least 5 occasions, these attacks were so severe that he vomited afterward.  The patient is a children's karate teacher.  He received all of his childhood vaccinations but has not seen a physician in many years.  There is no history of recent travel.  Vital signs and physical examination are normal.  Chest x-ray is unrevealing.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?

A) Acid-fast bacillus
B) Gram-negative coccobacillus
C) Gram-positive diplococcus
D) Mycoplasma
E) RNA virus

Correct Answer:

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