Which set of pathogens causes similar diseases?

Options

A. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae
B. Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae
C. Rhinovirus and Haemophilus influenzae
D. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Rhinovirus

Answer

To determine which set of pathogens causes similar diseases, we can analyze the diseases caused by each pathogen mentioned in the question.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Pathogens**: The question mentions several pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus aureus, and Rhinovirus.

2. **List the Diseases Caused by Each Pathogen**:
- **Streptococcus pneumoniae**:
- Causes pneumonia (lung infection)
- Can lead to meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord)
- May cause bloodstream infections
- **Haemophilus influenzae**:
- Also causes pneumonia
- Can lead to meningitis
- May cause bloodstream infections
- **Streptococcus aureus**:
- Primarily causes skin diseases (e.g., boils, cellulitis)
- Rarely causes pneumonia
- **Rhinovirus**:
- Mainly causes the common cold
- Can lead to ear infections and sore throats
- Rarely causes pneumonia

3. **Compare the Pathogens**:
- **Streptococcus pneumoniae** and **Haemophilus influenzae** both cause pneumonia and meningitis, as well as bloodstream infections. This indicates that they cause similar diseases.
- **Streptococcus aureus** primarily affects the skin and rarely causes pneumonia, which makes it less similar to the first two.
- **Rhinovirus** mainly causes respiratory infections like the common cold and is not closely related to pneumonia or meningitis.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the pathogens that cause similar diseases are **Streptococcus pneumoniae** and **Haemophilus influenzae**.

### Final Answer:
The set of pathogens that causes similar diseases is **Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae**.