A 64-year old urbanite male reports to your practice with fever,malaise and a cough. His vaccinations are up-to-date, includingDPT. His condition worsens over several days, with his temperatureincreasing to 40.4 oC and development of dyspnea(difficulty of breathing). His lungs show signs of mildinflammation with thin, watery secretion that has a greenish tinge.The patient is given antibiotics and Gram stains made from abronchial lavage showed a thin gram negative rod. The organism grewwell on blood agar plates, producing a flat, metallic colony withbeta hemolysis and a fruity odor.
What is the most likely organism causing this man’sinfection?
What laboratory testing should be performed to confirm thisdiagnosis, and what are the expected results? Include any specialmedia as well as routine biochemical testing.
What is the best treatment for this patient? What is the typicalpattern of susceptibility for this organism?
