Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by which organism?

Prepare for your Microbial Growth Phases, Oxygen Needs, and Immunity Types Test. Use our multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations for each answer to enhance your understanding and ensure success!

Multiple Choice

Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by which organism?

Explanation:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the organism that causes pneumococcal meningitis. This Gram-positive, encapsulated diplococcus commonly colonizes the oropharynx and can invade the meninges to produce meningitis. It is the most frequent cause of bacterial meningitis in adults, which is why it’s the best answer. Historically, Haemophilus influenzae type b was a common pediatric cause before Hib vaccination; Neisseria meningitidis often affects children and young adults and can present with a rash; Listeria monocytogenes tends to cause meningitis in neonates, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the organism that causes pneumococcal meningitis. This Gram-positive, encapsulated diplococcus commonly colonizes the oropharynx and can invade the meninges to produce meningitis. It is the most frequent cause of bacterial meningitis in adults, which is why it’s the best answer. Historically, Haemophilus influenzae type b was a common pediatric cause before Hib vaccination; Neisseria meningitidis often affects children and young adults and can present with a rash; Listeria monocytogenes tends to cause meningitis in neonates, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

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