The microbiology laboratory receives a genital culture from a 28-year-old female.The specimen direct Gram stain reveals,gram-positive cocci in clusters and gram-negative cocci in chains.The microbiologist inoculates a sheep blood agar plate,a chocolate agar plate,a modified thayer martin plate and a LIM Broth (selective enrichment for group B streptococci).The second shift microbiologist identifies the discrepancy and must take corrective action.The discrepancy indicates:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Gram stain as reported indicates gram-negative cocci in chains.Although this gram characteristic and pattern may be visible on the direct Gram stain,the microbiologist should note that the morphotype described is most likely group B streptococci that are dying therefore resulting in a poor Gram stain reaction.The skilled microbiologist will recognize this variation in staining and correctly report the organisms as gram-positive cocci in chains based on the correlation with the specimen and potential organisms present in the sample.

The Microbiology Laboratory Receives a Genital Culture from a 28-Year-Old