[Verified Answer]: A 16 year old female presents to her…

A 16 year old female presents to her primary care provider with a fever of 104 ̊F, and complaints of a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and neck pain that has been ongoing for the past 7 days. Three days prior, this patient was seen at an urgent care. A rapid strep test was performed and found to be negative, and the patient was sent home with a diagnosis of viral pharyngitis. Upon physical examination today, the provider notes what looks to be a peri-tonsillar abscess on the right side of the patient’s throat. The abscess is drained, and an aspirate sample is sent for gram stain and culture. Which pathogens or diagnoses should be on the differential?* Can Group A strep be ruled out with the negative rapid strep test result? Why or why not?* What plates should be set for an aspirate culture