Question

a cervical culture for possible gonococcal infection is sent to the microbiology laboratory. after 24 hours of incubation, the modified thayer-martin plate has small opaque colonies that adhere slightly to the medium. microscopic examination reveals gram-negative coccobacilli, many with square ends. the organism ferments glucose and is superoxyl and catalase negative. the most likely identification is:_______.

Answer 1

The small opaque colonies that ferment glucose and display gram-negative coccobacilli morphology are indicative of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a common cause of sexually transmitted infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical scenario described involves a cervical culture for possible gonococcal infection, and the most likely identification of the microorganism grown on the modified Thayer-Martin plate with the provided characteristics is Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Characteristics such as gram-negative coccobacilli, square ends, fermenting glucose, and being superoxyl and catalase negative support this identification. This organism is a common cause of sexually transmitted infections and can be identified by its gram-negative diplococcal morphology.

Specific laboratory tests such as glucose fermentation, oxidase reaction, and the Thayer-Martin plate culture are crucial for proper identification.

Answer 2

The most likely identification of the organism is Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics described, including small opaque colonies on a modified Thayer-Martin plate, gram-negative coccobacilli with square ends, fermentation of glucose, and superoxyl and catalase negativity, are indicative of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

This bacterium is the causative agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. The use of a selective medium like modified Thayer-Martin agar is common for the isolation of Neisseria species, providing an environment that inhibits the growth of competing bacteria while supporting the growth of gonococci.

The microscopic and biochemical features mentioned align with the typical characteristics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, allowing for a presumptive identification in the context of a cervical culture for possible gonococcal infection.