Which organisms are most commonly seen in meningitis for children aged 2 months to 10 years?

• A. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae
• B. Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli
• C. Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• D. Enterovirus group A only

Answer: (A)

In children from about 2 months to 10 years, the most common bacterial meningitis pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. This age range is when these three organisms together account for the majority of bacterial meningitis cases. Vaccination has dramatically reduced Hib disease, but it remains one of the classic top pathogens alongside S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis. The other options mix organisms that are more typical for different ages or contexts (such as neonatal meningitis) or describe viral meningitis, which shifts the focus away from the primary bacterial culprits in this age group.