A 3-year-old child presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of high fever, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and inspiratory stridor. Direct laryngoscopy reveals a swollen, cherry-red epiglottis. Which bacterial pathogen is the most common cause of this condition in unvaccinated children?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
Acute epiglottitis, characterized by a 'cherry-red' epiglottis and inspiratory stridor, is most commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), especially in unvaccinated children. Vaccination has significantly reduced its incidence.