A 12-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department because of severe pain near his left knee. He has sickle cell disease, and has been hospitalized previously for sickle cell crisis. Vital signs are notable for mild fever. Examination of the left lower extremity reveals a normal knee joint with marked tenderness and swelling over the proximal tibia. Labs show leukocytosis and elevated ESR. He is subsequently diagnosed with osteomyelitis. Which of the following organisms is the most likely cause of his condition?
A. Escherichia coli
B. Pseudomonas species
C. Salmonella species
D. Staphylococcus aureus
E. Group B streptococcus
Ans: C. Salmonella species