Image Based Question – 74472

A 23 years old femau, sensorium for two days with the following rash on legs. Her BP is 70/50 mm Hg and neck stiffness is present. Lumbar puncture reveals cloudy CSF with 4200 cells/ pL, protein level 198 and glucose of 21 mg/dL. Which of the following correctly describes the organism causing this condition?

A. Gram-positive cocci catalase negative, bacitracin­sensitive

B. Gram-positive diplococci (lanceolate), catalase negative, optochin sensitive

C. Gram-negative diplococci, ferments glucose and maltose

D. Gram-negative diplococci (kidney-shaped), oxidase positive

Correct Answer » C Explanation

Ans: C. Gram-negative diplococci, ferments glucose and maltose

 (Ref: Ananthanarayan 10Ie p230, 8Ie p223, 230).

• The clinical-picture given in the question i.e. meningitis with a typical purpuric rash is seen in meningococcemia due to Neisseria meningitidis, which is Gram-negative diplococci and ferments glucose and maltose.