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A patient presented with fever and cough. A sputum sample stained by Gram's method revealed Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule. What is the likely causative agent?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule is characteristic of S. pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia, especially in patients with fever and cough. It is also known for causing infections such as otitis media and sinusitis. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but does not typically form diplococci or have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningitis, not pneumonia. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative rod, not a diplococcus, and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.