Problem
At the Mount Union hospital, a 5-year old white male child in good general health and physical condition was presented at the Saturday walk-in clinic by his mother. He was brought in because he had a fever, was cranky and had complained of a sore throat for about 24 hours. On physical examination by the attending resident, the patient had a fever of 39.3(2, and he had considerable swelling and drainage of the pharynx and in the conjunctivae. His tonsils were enlarged and coated with white patchy exudates. He had a red throat and swollen anterior cervical lymph nodes. His ears were clear. His chest sounded clear and he had no additional remarkable findings on routine examination.
A. What is the infectious agent that causes this case?
B. What diagnostic testing would be indicated to follow this exam?
C. What is the most likely treatment for this illness? Why is it important?