Question

Sputum samples from a client with pneumonia contain an infective agent that has a peptidoglycan cell wall, expresses endotoxins, replicates readily in broth and on agar, grows in clusters, has pili, and does not stain when exposed to crystal violet. This client's pneumonia has what etiology?

Answer 1

Bacterial

This client's pneumonia has bacterial etiology

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs and it is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The most common cause of pneumonia is bacteria especially Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other major bacteria that can cause pneumonia include; Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumonia.

From the question, all the information given about the infective agent found in the sputum sample; (has a peptidoglycan cell wall, expresses endotoxins, replicates readily in broth and on agar, grows in clusters, has pili, and does not stain when exposed to crystal violet) are all features of bacteria which indicate that the client's pneumonia was caused by a bacteria.