Which organism is known for kidney-bean shaped cells on microscopic examination?

Which organism is known for kidney-bean shaped cells on microscopic examination?

• A. Aeromonas hydrophila
• B. Campylobacter jejuni
• C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• D. Pasteurella multocida

Answer: (C)

Kidney-bean shaped cells describe paired Gram-negative diplococci, a classic appearance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Gram-stained specimens from purulent secretions. These organisms tend to be seen inside neutrophils as intracellular diplococci with that distinctive kidney/coffee-bean look. Among the listed bacteria, only Neisseria gonorrhoeae forms this intracellular diplococcal arrangement; the others are different morphologies (a rod, a curved rod, or a coccobacillus). This characteristic makes Neisseria gonorrhoeae the correct identification for kidney-bean shaped cells.

Kidney-bean shaped cells describe paired Gram-negative diplococci, a classic appearance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Gram-stained specimens from purulent secretions. These organisms tend to be seen inside neutrophils as intracellular diplococci with that distinctive kidney/coffee-bean look. Among the listed bacteria, only Neisseria gonorrhoeae forms this intracellular diplococcal arrangement; the others are different morphologies (a rod, a curved rod, or a coccobacillus). This characteristic makes Neisseria gonorrhoeae the correct identification for kidney-bean shaped cells.