microbiology chapter 13 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 13 test bank related questions and content

A patient with a sore throat and fever had a throat smear stained with Gram's method, revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. What is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Streptococcus pyogenes
  • B. Staphylococcus aureus
  • C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • D. Enterococcus faecalis
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is known to cause sore throat and fever, commonly referred to as strep throat. Gram's stain showing Gram-positive cocci in chains is characteristic of Streptococcus species. Streptococcus pyogenes is a beta-hemolytic bacterium that forms chains and is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci that forms clusters, not chains. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus and is not associated with sore throat. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is a Gram-positive cocci that can cause infections but is not typically associated with sore throat.