A hematology technician asks you to look at four patients' Wright stained blood smears and confirm the presence of gram-negative rods. You note the gram-negative rods have a "safety pin" appearance. What could this smear result mean? What antibiotic, if any, should be used for prophylactic therapy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "safety pin" appearance in gram-negative rods is characteristic of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, which could be a concern for a bioterror attack. Doxycycline is recommended for prophylactic therapy in individuals exposed to Yersinia pestis.

A Hematology Technician Asks You to Look at Four Patients