microbiology chapter 13 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 13 test bank related questions and content

A patient with a deep tissue infection had Gram-negative rods isolated from the wound culture. The bacteria were oxidase-positive and non-lactose fermenters. What is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • B. Escherichia coli
  • C. Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • D. Shigella dysenteriae
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas is a Gram-negative rod, oxidase-positive, and non-lactose fermenter. These characteristics are typical of Pseudomonas species.

B: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod but is lactose fermenter and usually oxidase-negative.

C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod, non-lactose fermenter, but is usually oxidase-negative.

D: Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative rod, non-lactose fermenter, but is usually oxidase-negative and is more associated with causing shigellosis rather than deep tissue infections.