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A patient with a sore throat had a throat culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. The bacteria were catalase-negative and beta-hemolytic. What is the most likely causative agent?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes.
1. Gram-positive cocci in chains suggest streptococci.
2. Catalase-negative indicates it's not staphylococci.
3. Beta-hemolytic points towards Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes).
Summary:
B. Streptococcus pneumoniae is not beta-hemolytic.
C. Enterococcus faecalis is not typically chains.
D. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive.