Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Neonatal HSV. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 1: A 6-day-old newborn is brought to the emergency department by his mother due to a high fever that started last night. His mother says that he was born via an uneventful vaginal delivery at home at 38 weeks gestation and was doing fine up until yesterday when he became disinterested in breastfeeding and spit up several times. His temperature is 39.5°C (103.1°F), pulse is 155/min, respirations are 45/min, and O2 sats are 92% on room air. He is lethargic and minimally responsive to stimuli. While on his back, his head is quickly lifted towards his chest which causes his legs to flex. The mother had only a few prenatal care visits and none at the end of the pregnancy. What is the most likely source of this patients infection?
- A. Tick bite
- B. During birth (Correct Answer)
- C. Infection from surgery
- D. Contaminated food
- E. Mother’s roommate
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***During birth***
- The newborn's age (6 days old) and presentation with **fever**, **lethargy**, and **meningeal signs** (legs flexing upon lifting head, likely Brudzinski sign) are highly suggestive of **neonatal sepsis** or **meningitis**.
- Given the history of a home birth with limited prenatal care, the most probable source of infection would be vertical transmission **during passage through the birth canal**, especially if the mother was colonized with pathogens like Group B Streptococcus (GBS), E. coli, or had an untreated sexually transmitted infection.
*Tick bite*
- While tick-borne illnesses can cause fever, they are generally less common in this age group and the symptoms presented are more indicative of a widespread bacterial infection rather than a localized vector-borne illness.
- The neurological signs (meningeal irritation) are more consistent with meningitis, which is typically bacterial in newborns, rather than a common manifestation of a tick-borne disease in this age group.
*Infection from surgery*
- The patient had an **uneventful vaginal delivery at home**, meaning there was no surgical procedure involved, ruling out a surgical site infection.
- Surgical infections are typically seen after procedures like C-sections or circumcisions and would present differently.
*Contaminated food*
- A 6-day-old newborn is typically fed breast milk or formula and has no exposure to **solid or contaminated food** that would cause such an infection.
- Foodborne illnesses would usually present with prominent gastrointestinal symptoms like severe vomiting and diarrhea, which are not the primary features here.
*Mother’s roommate*
- While exposure to sick individuals can cause illness, the severe symptoms and rapid progression of the newborn's condition, along with the meningeal signs, point more towards a serious **vertical transmission during birth** rather than horizontal transmission from casual contact with a roommate.
- Diseases transmitted this way would also typically affect the respiratory tract before causing severe systemic illness.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 2: A 12-month-old girl is brought to her pediatrician for a checkup and vaccines. The patient’s mother wants to send her to daycare but is worried about exposure to unvaccinated children and other potential sources of infection. The toddler was born at 39 weeks gestation via spontaneous vaginal delivery. She is up to date on all vaccines. She does not walk yet but stands in place and can say a few words. The toddler drinks formula and eats a mixture of soft vegetables and pureed meals. She has no current medications. On physical exam, the vital signs include: temperature 37.0°C (98.6°F), blood pressure 95/50 mm Hg, pulse 130/min, and respiratory rate 28/min. The patient is alert and responsive. The remainder of the exam is unremarkable. Which of the following is most appropriate for this patient at this visit?
- A. Meningococcal vaccine
- B. Gross motor workup and evaluation
- C. Rotavirus vaccine
- D. Referral for speech pathology
- E. MMR vaccine (Correct Answer)
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***MMR vaccine***
- The **measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine** is recommended for administration at **12-15 months of age**.
- This timing offers protection against these common childhood diseases, which is especially important for children attending **daycare**.
*Meningococcal vaccine*
- The routine **meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY)** is typically recommended for adolescents at **11-12 years of age**, with a booster at 16 years.
- While there are specific circumstances for earlier vaccination (e.g., high-risk conditions), it is **not routine** for a 12-month-old.
*Gross motor workup and evaluation*
- The patient's motor development, standing in place but not yet walking, is **within the normal range** for a 12-month-old.
- A definitive **gross motor workup** would generally be considered if there were more significant delays or regressions.
*Rotavirus vaccine*
- The **rotavirus vaccine** series is typically given at **2, 4, and 6 months of age**, with the final dose administered no later than **8 months of age**.
- A 12-month-old is **outside the recommended age range** for initiating or completing this vaccine series.
*Referral for speech pathology*
- Saying "a few words" at 12 months is **within the normal developmental milestone** for expressive language at this age.
- A referral for **speech pathology** would generally be indicated for more significant language delays.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 3: A 35-year-old man presents with burning penile lesions 3 days after unprotected intercourse. He has no prior history of similar lesions. Which of the following best differentiates primary from recurrent HSV infection?
- A. Systemic symptoms and bilateral lymphadenopathy (Correct Answer)
- B. Duration of symptoms
- C. Number of lesions
- D. Location of lesions
- E. Viral culture positivity
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***Systemic symptoms and bilateral lymphadenopathy***
- **Primary HSV infection** often presents with noticeable **systemic symptoms** such as fever, malaise, myalgia, and bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy.
- These systemic features are typically **absent or very mild** during recurrent episodes due to partial immunity.
*Duration of symptoms*
- While primary HSV infections often have a **longer duration of symptoms** compared to recurrent outbreaks, this is not the most definitive differentiating factor as there can be overlap.
- Recurrent lesions tend to resolve more quickly due to the host's existing immune response.
*Number of lesions*
- Primary infections generally present with a **greater number and wider distribution of lesions** compared to recurrent episodes.
- However, the size and extent of an outbreak can vary, making it less specific than systemic symptoms for differentiation.
*Location of lesions*
- The location of lesions is often **consistent in recurrent HSV infections**, usually appearing in the same or adjacent anatomical region as the primary infection.
- While primary infections might have a broader initial distribution, this isn't the primary differentiating factor compared to the presence of systemic symptoms.
*Viral culture positivity*
- **Viral cultures are typically positive for both primary and recurrent HSV infections**, indicating active viral shedding.
- Therefore, culture positivity does not help differentiate between a primary and a recurrent episode.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 4: A 5-day-old male newborn is brought to the emergency department 1 hour after having a seizure. It lasted approximately 1 minute, and involved blinking and lip-smacking movements as well as left-sided jerking of the hand and foot. His mother says she measured a temperature of 38.2°C (100.7°F) at that time. He has had increasing difficulty feeding since yesterday. He was born at 39 weeks' gestation and weighed 3189 g (7 lb, 1 oz); he currently weighs 2980 g (6 lb, 9 oz). The mother's prenatal course was significant for gonorrhea infection diagnosed early in pregnancy and treated with ceftriaxone and azithromycin combination therapy. The boy appears irritable and lethargic. His temperature is 36.0°C (96.8°F). Examination shows clusters of vesicular lesions with an erythematous base on the patient's face and trunk. There is profuse lacrimation. Laboratory studies show:
Leukocyte count 16,200/mm3
Segmented neutrophils 25%
Bands 5%
Lymphocytes 65%
Monocytes 3%
Eosinophils 2%
Serum
Glucose 80 mg/dL
A lumbar puncture is performed. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis shows a leukocyte count of 117/μL, a protein concentration of 52 mg/dL, and a glucose concentration of 58 mg/dL. Results of blood cultures are pending. Which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacotherapy?
- A. IV acyclovir (Correct Answer)
- B. IV ceftriaxone
- C. Pyrimethamine
- D. IV ganciclovir
- E. IV vancomycin
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***IV acyclovir***
- The combination of **seizures**, **vesicular lesions** on the face and trunk, **profuse lacrimation**, and **lymphocytic pleocytosis** in the CSF in a newborn is highly suggestive of **Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection**.
- **Acyclovir** is the antiviral drug of choice for treating HSV infections, especially severe systemic or CNS forms in neonates, to reduce morbidity and mortality.
*IV ceftriaxone*
- **Ceftriaxone** is a broad-spectrum antibiotic primarily used to treat bacterial infections like neonatal sepsis or meningitis, but it has no activity against viruses.
- The patient's clinical presentation, including vesicular lesions and specific CSF findings, points away from a primary bacterial infection.
*Pyrimethamine*
- **Pyrimethamine** is an antiparasitic drug used in combination with sulfadiazine for treating **toxoplasmosis**.
- The patient's symptoms are not consistent with congenital toxoplasmosis, which typically involves chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, and intracranial calcifications.
*IV ganciclovir*
- **Ganciclovir** is an antiviral primarily used for treating **cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections**, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- While CMV can cause CNS disease in neonates, the characteristic **vesicular lesions** and **profuse lacrimation** are far more indicative of HSV.
*IV vancomycin*
- **Vancomycin** is an antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections, especially those caused by **methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)** or other gram-positive bacteria.
- It is not effective against viral infections, and the clinical picture does not suggest a bacterial etiology requiring vancomycin.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 5: A 24-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, at 39 weeks' gestation, is admitted to the hospital in active labor. She currently has contractions occurring every 3–5 minutes. For the past 3 days, she has had burning pain in the vulvar area associated with intense itching. Her pregnancy has been uneventful. She has a history of genital herpes at the age of 16, which was treated with acyclovir. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Genital examination shows grouped vesicles on an erythematous base over the vulvar region. Pelvic examination shows rupture of membranes and that the cervix is 3 cm dilated. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Tocolytic therapy until lesions are crusted
- B. Oral acyclovir therapy and vaginal delivery
- C. Topical acyclovir and vaginal delivery
- D. Oral acyclovir therapy and cesarean delivery (Correct Answer)
- E. Topical acyclovir and cesarean delivery
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***Oral acyclovir therapy and cesarean delivery***
- The presence of **active genital herpes lesions** at the time of labor poses a high risk of **neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection** during vaginal delivery, which can be severe or fatal for the neonate.
- **Acyclovir therapy** aims to reduce viral shedding and transmission, but given the active lesions and rupture of membranes, a **cesarean delivery** is indicated to prevent vertical transmission to the newborn.
*Tocolytic therapy until lesions are crusted*
- **Tocolytic therapy** is used to inhibit uterine contractions and delay labor, but it is not indicated for managing active herpes lesions in a term pregnancy as it would only delay an inevitable delivery.
- Waiting for lesions to crust would prolong labor unnecessarily and still carry a risk of transmission, especially with ruptured membranes.
*Oral acyclovir therapy and vaginal delivery*
- While **oral acyclovir** can help suppress viral shedding, a **vaginal delivery** is contraindicated when active genital herpes lesions are present at the onset of labor due to the significant risk of **neonatal HSV infection**.
- Ruptured membranes further increase the risk of ascending infection and direct contact during passage through the birth canal.
*Topical acyclovir and vaginal delivery*
- **Topical acyclovir** is generally less effective than oral antivirals in suppressing systemic viral replication and does not adequately prevent viral shedding from active lesions during labor.
- A **vaginal delivery** would still expose the neonate to the virus, making this an inappropriate choice given the high risk of neonatal herpes.
*Topical acyclovir and cesarean delivery*
- While a **cesarean delivery** is the correct mode of delivery in this scenario, **topical acyclovir** is not the optimal antiviral treatment for active genital herpes during labor.
- **Oral acyclovir** provides better systemic viral suppression and is the preferred antiviral agent in such cases, though the urgency of active lesions still necessitates a cesarean.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 6: An 11-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department because of high-grade fever, headache, and nausea for 3 days. She avoids looking at any light source because this aggravates her headache. She has acute lymphoblastic leukemia and her last chemotherapy cycle was 2 weeks ago. She appears lethargic. Her temperature is 40.1°C (104.2°F), pulse is 131/min and blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg. Examination shows a stiff neck. The pupils are equal and reactive to light. Neck flexion results in flexion of the knee and hip. Muscle strength is decreased in the right upper extremity. Deep tendon reflexes are 2+ bilaterally. Sensation is intact. Extraocular movements are normal. Two sets of blood cultures are obtained. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Acyclovir therapy
- B. Antibiotic therapy (Correct Answer)
- C. MRI of the brain
- D. CT scan of the head
- E. Lumbar puncture
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***Antibiotic therapy***
- This patient presents with **fever, headache, stiff neck, photophobia, and positive Brudzinski's sign (neck flexion results in flexion of the knee and hip)**, which are classic signs of **meningitis**. Given her history of **acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)** and recent chemotherapy, she is **immunocompromised** and at high risk for **bacterial meningitis**, a life-threatening infection requiring immediate antibiotic treatment.
- Due to the severity of symptoms and the high risk in an immunocompromised patient, immediate initiation of empiric, broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial after obtaining blood cultures, even before definitive diagnosis from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
*Acyclovir therapy*
- **Acyclovir** is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis or meningitis.
- While viral meningitis is a possibility, bacterial meningitis is a more urgent and severe concern in an immunocompromised patient with these neurological signs, making immediate antibiotics a higher priority.
*MRI of the brain*
- An **MRI of the brain** provides detailed imaging of brain structures and can detect abscesses, tumors, or inflammation.
- However, in acute meningitis, especially with signs of increased intracranial pressure (which should be ruled out before LP), antibiotics are the most immediate and critical intervention, and an MRI would delay this life-saving treatment.
*CT scan of the head*
- A **CT scan of the head** is primarily used to rule out **mass lesions, hydrocephalus, or significant cerebral edema** before performing a **lumbar puncture (LP)** in patients with suspected meningitis who have focal neurological deficits or signs of increased intracranial pressure.
- While it may be considered before LP due to the focal neurological deficit (decreased muscle strength in the right upper extremity), administering antibiotics takes precedence due to the high suspicion of bacterial meningitis in an immunocompromised patient.
*Lumbar puncture*
- A **lumbar puncture** is essential for diagnosing meningitis by analyzing the **cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)** for cell count, glucose, protein, and culture.
- However, performing an LP can be delayed if there are signs of increased intracranial pressure (which warrants a preceding CT scan) or if the patient's condition is unstable; importantly, **empiric antibiotics should be started immediately** in a suspected bacterial meningitis case, especially in an immunocompromised patient, and not delayed for imaging or LP.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 7: A pathologist receives a patient sample for analysis. Cells in the sample are first labeled with fluorescent antibodies and then passed across a laser beam in a single file of particles. The light scatter and fluorescent intensity of the particles are plotted on a graph; this information is used to characterize the sample. This laboratory method would be most useful to establish the diagnosis of a patient with which of the following?
- A. Ventricular septal defect and facial dysmorphism with low T-lymphocyte count
- B. Painless generalized lymphadenopathy with monomorphic cells and interspersed benign histiocytes on histology
- C. Pancytopenia and deep vein thrombosis with intermittent hemoglobinuria (Correct Answer)
- D. Multiple opportunistic infections with decreased CD4 counts
- E. Vesicular lesions with dermatomal distribution and dendritic corneal ulcers
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***Pancytopenia and deep vein thrombosis with intermittent hemoglobinuria***
- The described laboratory method is **flow cytometry**, which is the **gold standard for diagnosing paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)** by detecting the absence of **CD55** and **CD59** on red blood cells due to impaired GPI anchor synthesis.
- PNH classically presents with **pancytopenia**, **hemolytic anemia** (leading to hemoglobinuria), and a high risk of **thrombosis** (e.g., deep vein thrombosis).
*Ventricular septal defect and facial dysmorphism with low T-lymphocyte count*
- This clinical picture suggests **DiGeorge syndrome**, which involves a developmental defect of the **third and fourth pharyngeal pouches**, leading to thymic hypoplasia and **T-cell deficiency**.
- While flow cytometry is used to quantify T-lymphocyte subsets (e.g., CD3, CD4, CD8), the primary method for diagnosing DiGeorge syndrome is **fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)** for a **22q11 deletion**, making it less ideal for flow cytometry diagnosis.
*Painless generalized lymphadenopathy with monomorphic cells and interspersed benign histiocytes on histology*
- This description with "**monomorphic cells**" is more consistent with certain **non-Hodgkin lymphomas** (e.g., Burkitt lymphoma) rather than Hodgkin lymphoma, which typically shows a **polymorphic** cellular infiltrate.
- While flow cytometry can be useful in characterizing lymphomas by identifying cell surface markers, the diagnosis is primarily established by **lymph node biopsy and histopathology** with **immunohistochemistry**, making flow cytometry a supplementary rather than primary diagnostic tool.
*Multiple opportunistic infections with decreased CD4 counts*
- This presentation is highly suggestive of **HIV infection leading to AIDS**. The "decreased CD4 counts" are a key diagnostic and prognostic marker.
- While flow cytometry is used to **monitor CD4 cell counts** in HIV patients, the initial diagnosis of HIV is established via **antibody/antigen combination tests** and confirmed by **Western blot** or **PCR for viral load**, not by flow cytometry.
*Vesicular lesions with dermatomal distribution and dendritic corneal ulcers*
- This clinical presentation points to **herpes zoster ophthalmicus** (shingles affecting the eye due to **varicella-zoster virus** reactivation).
- Diagnosis is primarily **clinical** based on the characteristic rash and eye findings, although **PCR** of vesicular fluid can confirm VZV infection. Flow cytometry has no role in this diagnosis.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 8: A 7-year-old boy is brought to his pediatrician by his parents because of a new rash. The family immigrated from Laos one year ago and recently obtained health insurance. A week ago, the boy stated that he was “not feeling well” and asked to stay home from school. At the time, he starting having cough, nasal congestion, and irritated eyes – symptoms that persisted and intensified. His parents recall that at the time they noticed small whitish-blue papules over the red buccal mucosa opposite his molars. Five days ago, his parents noticed a red rash around his face that quickly spread downward to cover most of his arms, trunk, and then legs. His temperature is 102.5°F (39.2°C), blood pressure is 110/85 mmHg, pulse is 102/min, and respirations 25/min. On physical exam, he has intermittent cough, cervical lymphadenopathy, and nonpurulent conjunctivitis accompanied by a confluent, dark red rash over his body. This patient is at risk for which of the following complications later in life?
- A. CNS degeneration (Correct Answer)
- B. Nonreactive pupils
- C. Monoarticular arthritis
- D. Valvular heart disease
- E. B cell neoplasm
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***CNS degeneration***
- The patient's symptoms are highly suggestive of **measles (rubeola)**, characterized by **Koplik spots**, **coryza**, **conjunctivitis**, and a **descending maculopapular rash**.
- A rare but devastating late complication of measles is **subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)**, a progressive **CNS degenerative disease** that occurs years after the initial infection.
*Nonreactive pupils*
- **Nonreactive pupils**, or Argyll Robertson pupils, are a classic sign of **neurosyphilis** and are not associated with measles infection.
- This symptom points to damage to specific pathways in the brain affecting pupillary reflexes.
*Monoarticular arthritis*
- **Monoarticular arthritis** is typically seen in conditions like **juvenile idiopathic arthritis**, **septic arthritis**, or **Lyme disease**, not as a direct complication of measles.
- While arthritis can occur in measles, it is usually polyarticular and transient, not a chronic monoarticular condition.
*Valvular heart disease*
- **Valvular heart disease**, particularly **rheumatic heart disease**, is a long-term complication of **streptococcal infections (rheumatic fever)** and is not associated with measles.
- **Kawasaki disease** can also cause coronary artery aneurysms, but the clinical presentation here is classic for measles.
*B cell neoplasm*
- **B-cell neoplasms** (e.g., lymphomas, leukemias) are not directly linked to measles infection.
- While measles can cause temporary immunosuppression, it does not typically lead to long-term hematological malignancies.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 9: A mother delivers in a rural area under the guidance of a skilled care attendant. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the care provided by the skilled care attendant at birth?
- A. Start breastfeeding as early as possible
- B. Cover the baby's head and body
- C. Bathe the baby with warm water (Correct Answer)
- D. Clear the eyes with a sterile swab
- E. Dry the baby thoroughly and stimulate breathing
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***Bathe the baby with warm water***
- **Delaying the first bath** for at least 6-24 hours after birth is recommended to prevent **hypothermia** and promote **skin-to-skin contact** for bonding and breastfeeding.
- Early bathing can remove **vernix caseosa**, which provides natural antimicrobial protection and moisturization to the newborn's skin.
*Start breastfeeding as early as possible*
- **Early initiation of breastfeeding**, ideally within the first hour of birth, is crucial for both mother and baby.
- It promotes **uterine contractions** to prevent **postpartum hemorrhage** and provides the newborn with **colostrum**, rich in antibodies.
*Cover the baby's head and body*
- Covering the newborn's head and body is essential to prevent **heat loss** and maintain a stable **body temperature**, immediately after birth.
- Newborns are highly susceptible to **hypothermia** due to their large surface area to mass ratio and immature thermoregulation.
*Clear the eyes with a sterile swab*
- Clearing the newborn's eyes with a sterile swab is a standard part of immediate newborn care to remove any **mucus or blood** that might have entered during delivery.
- This helps prevent **ophthalmia neonatorum**, especially if the mother has an infection like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
*Dry the baby thoroughly and stimulate breathing*
- **Drying the baby immediately** after birth is a critical first step in newborn resuscitation and care.
- It helps prevent **hypothermia** and provides **tactile stimulation** to initiate breathing and crying, which is essential for transitioning from fetal to neonatal circulation.
Neonatal HSV US Medical PG Question 10: An 8-day-old male infant presents to the pediatrician with a high-grade fever and poor feeding pattern with regurgitation of milk after each feeding. On examination the infant showed abnormal movements, hypertonia, and exaggerated DTRs. The mother explains that during her pregnancy, she has tried to eat only unprocessed foods and unpasteurized dairy so that her baby would not be exposed to any preservatives or unhealthy chemicals. Which of the following characteristics describes the causative agent that caused this illness in the infant?
- A. Gram-positive, facultative intracellular, motile bacilli (Correct Answer)
- B. Gram-negative, maltose fermenting diplococci
- C. Gram-positive, catalase-negative, alpha hemolytic, optochin sensitive cocci
- D. Gram-positive, catalase-negative, beta hemolytic, bacitracin resistant cocci
- E. Gram-negative, lactose-fermenting, facultative anaerobic bacilli
Neonatal HSV Explanation: ***Gram-positive, facultative intracellular, motile bacilli***
- The infant's symptoms (fever, poor feeding, regurgitation, abnormal movements, hypertonia, exaggerated DTRs) are highly suggestive of **meningitis** or **meningoencephalitis** in a neonate.
- The mother's consumption of **unpasteurized dairy** is a significant risk factor for **Listeria monocytogenes infection**, which is a **gram-positive, facultative intracellular, motile bacillus** that can cause neonatal sepsis and meningitis.
*Gram-negative, maltose fermenting diplococci*
- This description refers to **Neisseria meningitidis**, which is a common cause of meningitis but typically affects older infants, children, and young adults.
- While Neisseria can cause neonatal infection, it is less commonly associated with unpasteurized dairy consumption.
*Gram-positive, catalase-negative, alpha hemolytic, optochin sensitive cocci*
- This describes **Streptococcus pneumoniae**, a common cause of bacterial meningitis, otitis media, and pneumonia.
- S. pneumoniae is generally **catalase-negative** and **alpha-hemolytic**, but it is not typically associated with unpasteurized dairy transmission in neonates.
*Gram-positive, catalase-negative, beta hemolytic, bacitracin resistant cocci*
- This description points to **Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae)**, a leading cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis and meningitis.
- While GBS is a common neonatal pathogen, it is transmitted vertically from the mother's birth canal and not primarily through unpasteurized dairy products.
*Gram-negative, lactose-fermenting, facultative anaerobic bacilli*
- This describes organisms like **Escherichia coli**, a common cause of neonatal meningitis, especially in premature or low-birth-weight infants.
- While E. coli can be transmitted via fecal-oral routes, the specific history of unpasteurized dairy strongly points away from E. coli as the *most likely* causative agent in this scenario.
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