A lung specimen from a pneumonia patient contains Gram-negative bacilli.Laboratory test results on the bacteria show they are nonmotile coliforms with a thick capsule.Which pathogen is the likely cause of the pneumonia?
A) Escherichia coli
B) Enterobacter
C) Hafnia
D) Klebsiella
E) Serratia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of nonmotile coliforms with a thick capsule suggests the pathogen is likely Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia in hospitalized patients. The other options (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Hafnia, Serratia) are also coliforms, but do not typically cause pneumonia as frequently as Klebsiella.

A Lung Specimen from a Pneumonia Patient Contains Gram-Negative Bacilli