microbiology chapter 14 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 14 test bank related questions and content

A patient with fever, headache, and neck stiffness had cerebrospinal fluid microscopy revealing Gram-negative diplococci. What is the likely causative agent?

  • A. Neisseria meningitidis
  • B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • C. Haemophilus influenzae
  • D. Klebsiella pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in young adults and adolescents. It is known for causing fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The other choices, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are not typically Gram-negative diplococci and are not commonly associated with the symptoms described. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive coccus, Haemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative coccobacillus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod. Therefore, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent in this scenario.