MCQ – 74475

Gram-stain shows most likely which organism:

Correct Answer � C Explanation

Ans: C. Streptococcus pneumoniae

(Ref Ananthanarayan 10Ie p223, 8/e p216)

• Gram stain shows lanceolate Gram-positive cocci in pairs, that is Streptococcus pneumoniae

Pneumococci:

• Typically small, slightly elongated cocci, with one end broad or rounded and the other pointed, presenting a flame shaped or lanceolate appearance.
• Occur in pairs (diplococci), with the broad ends in apposition, the long axis of the Coccus parallel to the line joining the two cocci in a pair.
• Capsulated, the capsule enclosing each pair.