A tech is working the night shift and receives a CSF specimen on an infant.The tech makes a Gram stain of the spinal fluid then reads the smear under the microscope.The report the tech sends to the physician reads as follows: "gram-negative bacillus,small and pleomorphic." What bacteria are being implied as the infecting agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Microorganisms can be described in such a way that,based on prevalence,the description implies the identification of the organism.A gram-negative bacillus,small and pleomorphic,brings to mind a miscellaneous gram-negative bacillus.Because it is in the spinal fluid of an infant where H.influenzae is known to cause meningitis,the physician would base his or her treatment upon this fact.

A Tech Is Working the Night Shift and Receives a CSF