microbiology an evolving science test bank Related

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A child with fever and a sore throat had a Gram-stained smear revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. The bacteria were beta-hemolytic. What is the likely causative agent?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in chains suggests a streptococcal infection. Beta-hemolysis indicates the production of a hemolysin that lyses red blood cells, a characteristic of Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is known to cause strep throat and can present with fever and sore throat.

Summary:
- B: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia but typically appears as lancet-shaped cocci, not in chains.
- C: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive cocci in clusters, not chains, and is not typically beta-hemolytic.
- D: Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive cocci that are part of the normal gut flora and are not typically beta-hemolytic or found in chains.