Gram-Negative And Gram-Positive Bacteria.

 

 

Using your understanding of the structural differences between Gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, answer the following question:
You have been diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia caused by streptococcus pneumoniae . Are you dealing with a Gram-negative or Gram-positive microorganism? In the doctors office they took a sputum sample and tested it using the gram stain to properly identify it. What color did the gram stain produce? Your doctor writes you a prescription for cetriaxone to treat the infection, and you note that you were given the same prescription last year. Remembering that you have some antibiotics left over from the previous prescription at home, you decide not to fill it. Instead, you take the remainder of your previous prescription antibiotic. How could that have been partially responsible for your condition now and why might taking the old antibiotic not be a good idea? What should you do instead?

Sample Solution

You are dealing with a Gram-positive microorganism (Streptococcus pneumoniae).

Gram Stain and Streptococcus pneumoniae:

  • Gram Stain: The Gram stain differentiates bacteria based on their cell wall structure. Streptococcus pneumoniae is Gram-positive because it has a thick layer of peptidoglycan in its cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain during the Gram stain procedure, appearing blue under the microscope.

Reusing Leftover Antibiotics:

  • Partial Responsibility for Current Condition: Reusing leftover antibiotics is a bad idea and could be partially responsible for your current condition. Here’s why:
    • Antibiotic Resistance: Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics over time. By taking an incomplete course of antibiotics previously, you might not have eradicated all the S. pneumoniae bacteria. The surviving bacteria could have mutated and become resistant to the leftover antibiotic you possess.
    • Incorrect Dosage: The leftover antibiotics might not be the right dosage or type for your current infection.

Why Reusing Leftover Antibiotics is Bad:

  • Antibiotic Resistance Spread: Taking leftover antibiotics contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to public health as common infections become difficult to treat.
  • Ineffective Treatment: The leftover antibiotic may not be effective against the current strain of S. pneumoniae, leading to prolonged illness and potential complications like pneumonia.

What You Should Do:

  • Discard Leftover Antibiotics: Safely dispose of the leftover antibiotics according to your pharmacist’s instructions. Do not share them with others.
  • Complete the New Prescription: Fill and complete the entire course of the new antibiotic prescribed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better. This ensures all the bacteria are eradicated and reduces the risk of resistance development.
  • Doctor Follow-up: Maintain follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure the new antibiotic treatment is working effectively.

Remember: Never reuse leftover antibiotics. It’s crucial to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for each new infection.

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