An 18-year-old male in his first year of college presents to the emergency room with a fever and a severe headache. He reports having unprotected sex with several partners over the past few weeks. Upon examination, the male demonstrates nuchal rigidity and photophobia. His past medical history is notable for a lack of vaccinations beginning from infancy due to his parents' belief that vaccinations may cause autism. The bacteria causing these symptoms would most likely demonstrate which of the following?
ANegative catalase test
BGram-negative bacteria
CUrease positive
DPositive quellung reaction
ELactose fermentation
A previously healthy 17-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department because of fever, nausea, and myalgia for the past day. His temperature is 39.5°C (103.1°F), pulse is 112/min, and blood pressure is 77/55 mm Hg. Physical examination shows scattered petechiae over the anterior chest and abdomen. Blood culture grows an organism on Thayer-Martin agar. Which of the following virulence factors of the causal organism is most likely responsible for the high mortality rate associated with it?
AImmunoglobulin A protease
BLipooligosaccharide
CToxic shock syndrome toxin-1
DLipoteichoic acid
EErythrogenic exotoxin A
A 25-day-old male infant presents to the emergency department because his mother states that he has been acting irritable for the past 2 days and has now developed a fever. On exam, the infant appears uncomfortable and has a temperature of 39.1 C. IV access is immediately obtained and a complete blood count and blood cultures are drawn. Lumbar puncture demonstrates an elevated opening pressure, elevated polymorphonuclear neutrophil, elevated protein, and decreased glucose. Ampicillin and cefotaxime are immediately initiated and CSF culture eventually demonstrates infection with a Gram-negative rod. Which of the following properties of this organism was necessary for the infection of this infant?
AK capsule
BM protein
CFimbriae
DIgA protease
ELPS endotoxin
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