microbiology chapter 12 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 12 test bank related questions and content

Microscopy of a sputum smear from a pneumonia patient revealed Gram-positive diplococci with pointed ends surrounded by a capsule. What is the 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.
1. Gram-positive diplococci with pointed ends: characteristic morphology of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
2. Surrounded by a capsule: S. pneumoniae is encapsulated, important for virulence.
3. Klebsiella pneumoniae (B) is a Gram-negative rod, Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus (D) is a Gram-positive cocci in clusters, not diplococci.