A newborn has conjunctivitis 3 days after delivery. The Gram stain shows gram-negative intracellular diplococci. Which organism is responsible?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Step 1: Gram-negative diplococci inside neutrophils identify Neisseria. Step 2. Gonococcal conjunctivitis appears in the first days of life. Answer: Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Why not the others: chlamydia is usually later and not seen on Gram stain, and the other bacteria are not diplococci.
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