A 3-year-old patient presents to the ER after a sudden onset of high fever and chills, a productive cough, and shortness of breath. The parents indicate that the child had been healthy up until that morning. An initial assessment of the child shows an elevated temperature (103oF), rapid pulse rate (140 bpm), and low oxygen saturation level (82%). Supplemental oxygen and acetaminophen are administered immediately, and specimens are obtained from the patient for microbial analysis.
-Further microscopic analysis of negatively stained specimens reveals a colorless ring around each of the spherical cells against a dark background. This clearing indicates that the pathogen possesses which structure(s)?

Question

A 3-year-old patient presents to the ER after a sudden onset of high fever and chills, a productive cough, and shortness of breath. The parents indicate that the child had been healthy up until that morning. An initial assessment of the child shows an elevated temperature (103oF), rapid pulse rate (140 bpm), and low oxygen saturation level (82%). Supplemental oxygen and acetaminophen are administered immediately, and specimens are obtained from the patient for microbial analysis.
-Further microscopic analysis of negatively stained specimens reveals a colorless ring around each of the spherical cells against a dark background. This clearing indicates that the pathogen possesses which structure(s)?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The colorless ring around the spherical cells seen in the microscopic analysis suggests the presence of a capsule. Capsules are outer layers made of polysaccharides or glycoproteins that protect the pathogen from phagocytosis by the host immune system. The capsule can be observed as a clear zone surrounding the bacterium when subjected to a negative staining technique.

A 3-Year-Old Patient Presents to the ER After a Sudden