microbiology chapter 11 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 11 test bank related questions and content

A smear from a sore throat revealed rod-shaped bacteria with polar granules. What is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Corynebacterium diphtheriae
  • B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • C. Haemophilus influenzae
  • D. Klebsiella pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely causative agent is Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Step 1: Presence of rod-shaped bacteria indicates a bacillus. Step 2: Polar granules suggest metachromatic granules seen in C. diphtheriae. Step 3: C. diphtheriae causes diphtheria, which presents with sore throat. Summary: B is incorrect as S. pneumoniae is a cocci, not a bacillus. C is incorrect as H. influenzae is a pleomorphic coccobacillus. D is incorrect as K. pneumoniae is a large, encapsulated bacillus.