Which organism is most commonly associated with epiglottitis?

The organism most commonly associated with epiglottitis is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). This bacterium was once the leading cause of epiglottitis, especially in children, before the widespread use of the Hib vaccine. Epiglottitis is an acute inflammation of the epiglottis and can lead to life-threatening airway obstruction, making it a medical emergency.

H. influenzae type b typically colonizes the nasopharynx and can spread to the epiglottis, causing swelling, redness, and pain. In the pre-vaccine era, before the introduction of the Hib vaccine, Hib was responsible for the majority of epiglottitis cases. While the incidence has significantly decreased with the vaccination efforts, Hib remains the most recognized pathogen in cases of epiglottitis.

Other organisms like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus can cause respiratory infections and in rare cases can lead to epiglottitis, but they are not the most common pathogens associated with this particular condition. Escherichia coli is typically associated with gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections rather than respiratory conditions like epiglottitis.