22nd May 2025

A 24-year old lady was brought in with sudden onset of fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and myalgia.

A 24-year old lady was brought in with sudden onset of fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and myalgia. Her blood pressure was 90/60. Pulse 160 and respiratory rate was 25. She also has a widespread rash. Blood culture and stool culture are negative. On further questioning, it has been found out that she has been a victim of abuse and neglect and she has been using the same tampon for menstrual periods for the last week. The tampon was sent for gram stain and culture. What would be most likely to be seen on microscopy and gram stain?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.