Gram-positive cocci in clusters were reported on preliminary direct Gram staining from a sputum specimen.The patient was treated with antibiotics.Following 48 hours of treatment,a secondary specimen was reported as gram-positive rods.The discrepancy in this result is:
A)the patient likely obtained a secondary infection following treatment of the first pathogen.
B)the antibiotics are effective and the gram-positive cocci are distorted due to inhibition of growth by the antibiotic.
C)the first preliminary Gram stain was erroneous,and should have been reported as normal microbiota.
D)there is no discrepancy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Following the administration of antibiotics,microorganisms will often demonstrate distorted cellular shapes.Most antimicrobial agents affect the growth of the organisms such as interfering with cell wall polymerization or cellular division resulting in abnormal growth patterns and inability for cells to separate during multiplication.

Gram-Positive Cocci in Clusters Were Reported on Preliminary Direct Gram