What organism is indicated when a blood culture shows gram-positive cocci and sensitivity to vancomycin?

Get ready for the Harr Microbiology Test. Leverage flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

In the context of the question regarding an organism indicated by a blood culture showing gram-positive cocci and sensitivity to vancomycin, the focus should be on understanding the characteristics of the organisms listed.

The key aspect here is sensitivity to vancomycin. Enterococcus spp., while gram-positive cocci, are known for varying susceptibility to vancomycin, particularly with Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) emerging as a significant concern in clinical settings. Staphylococcus spp., particularly Staphylococcus aureus, is typically sensitive to vancomycin, but coagulase-negative staphylococci can show resistance. Micrococcus spp. generally are found to be susceptible to vancomycin but are less commonly associated with blood infections.

Genella spp., on the other hand, is less commonly identified in clinical settings and does not typically respond to the same protocols or considerations as more common pathogens. Therefore, the presence of gram-positive cocci that show sensitivity to vancomycin is most indicative of Staphylococcus spp. or Enterococcus spp. In standard clinical practice, the identification would lean towards Enterococcus spp. given its distinctive characteristics and its clinical relevance concerning vancomycin resistance.

In summary,

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy