An anaerobic, gram-negative, tiny diplococci observed from a jaw infection is most consistent with which genus?

An anaerobic, gram-negative, tiny diplococci observed from a jaw infection is most consistent with which genus?

• A. Veillonella
• B. Peptostreptococcus
• C. Bacteroides
• D. Porphyromonas

Answer: (A)

From an oral or jaw infection, a small, anaerobic organism that appears as gram-negative diplococci fits Veillonella best. Veillonella are tiny gram-negative cocci that commonly occur in pairs (diplococci) and are strict anaerobes, part of the normal oral flora and often recovered in polymicrobial dental infections. The other options don’t match both the shape and the gram reaction: Peptostreptococcus is gram-positive cocci, while Bacteroides and Porphyromonas are gram-negative rods, not diplococci. So the combination of small size, diplococcal arrangement, and anaerobic nature points to Veillonella.

From an oral or jaw infection, a small, anaerobic organism that appears as gram-negative diplococci fits Veillonella best. Veillonella are tiny gram-negative cocci that commonly occur in pairs (diplococci) and are strict anaerobes, part of the normal oral flora and often recovered in polymicrobial dental infections. The other options don’t match both the shape and the gram reaction: Peptostreptococcus is gram-positive cocci, while Bacteroides and Porphyromonas are gram-negative rods, not diplococci. So the combination of small size, diplococcal arrangement, and anaerobic nature points to Veillonella.