Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Advanced Dental Admission Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations provided for each question. Strengthen your readiness for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What type of microbe is Streptococcus pyogenes?

Gram-negative
Gram-positive
Anaerobic
Fungal

The correct answer is: Gram-positive

Streptococcus pyogenes is classified as a Gram-positive bacterium. This classification is based on the bacterial cell wall structure which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, leading to a characteristic purple appearance under a microscope. Gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes, have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell walls, which contributes to their staining properties and provides structural integrity. This microbe is also cocci-shaped and typically appears in chains when observed microscopically. Moreover, Streptococcus pyogenes is known for causing a variety of infections, such as pharyngitis (strep throat), skin infections, and more serious conditions like rheumatic fever and necrotizing fasciitis, which further emphasizes its clinical significance. Understanding the Gram-positive nature of this bacterium is crucial for effective treatment strategies and for diagnosing the infections it causes.