Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which organism is NOT typically associated with community-acquired pneumonia?

1. Haemophilus influenzae

2. Mycoplasma pneumoniae

3. Treponema pallidum

4. Streptococcus pneumoniae

The correct answer is: Treponema pallidum

Treponema pallidum is not typically associated with community-acquired pneumonia. This organism is the causative agent of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, and is not known to cause respiratory infections. In contrast, the other options represent organisms commonly linked to community-acquired pneumonia. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are both well-documented pathogens in pneumonia cases, while Mycoplasma pneumoniae is particularly recognized for causing atypical pneumonia, especially in younger populations. Hence, the presence of Treponema pallidum in this context identifies it as the outlier, as it has no established role in pneumonia cases.