microbiology chapter 11 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 11 test bank related questions and content

A sputum smear from a patient with pneumonia revealed Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is characterized by Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule. The presence of a capsule helps the bacterium evade the immune system and contributes to its virulence. Klebsiella pneumoniae (B) is a Gram-negative bacterium and does not typically have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus and is associated with meningitis, not pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus (D) is a Gram-positive bacterium, but it does not typically present as diplococci with a capsule in a sputum smear from a pneumonia patient.