Suppurative cervical lymphadenitis in a 3-year-old child is commonly related to which of the following organisms?

a. Staphylococcus aureus

c. Streptococcal organisms

Acute suppurative lymphadenitis related to bacterial pathogens is generally straightforward to diagnose. There is often accompanying infectious illness. The lymph nodes enlarge rapidly, are tender and erythema of the overlying skin is present. Fever and an elevated white blood count with a left shift are usually present. Fluctuant nodes may be aspirated. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus are the most common organisms and the initial course of antibiotic therapy is directed to these organisms. If the adenopathy fails to resolve in 2 to 3 weeks, then the patient should likely undergo an excisional biopsy. Atypical Mycobacteria, cat scratch disease, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are more uncommon than bacterial lymphadenitis and do not typically produce tenderness or systemic signs. Lymphoma with secondary pyogenic infection is similarly uncommon.