1st April 2022

A 19-year-old student presents to A&E with a severe headache and neck stiffness

A 19-year-old student presents to A&E with a severe headache and neck stiffness. These symptoms came on suddenly around two hours ago. His temperature is recorded at 39ºC, and a widespread non-blanching petechial rash is found on examination. A lumbar puncture is performed, and the CSF subsequently analysed.

What is the characteristic Gram stain appearance on microscopy of the likely causative organism in this case?

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