microbiology an introduction test bank Related

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A child with a sore throat had a throat smear revealing Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • B. Staphylococcus aureus
  • C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • D. Klebsiella pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule is characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Step 1: Gram-positive cocci in pairs indicate a Streptococcus species.
Step 2: The presence of a capsule suggests S. pneumoniae specifically.
Summary:
B: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive cocci but does not typically present in pairs with a capsule.
C: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a Gram-positive cocci.
D: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci.