1.K.W., age 9, suddenly developed a fever with very sore throat, headache, and malaise. When examined, her pharynx was red and her tonsils enlarged with pus on the surface and in the crypts. Her...

1.K.W., age 9, suddenly developed a fever with very sore throat, headache, and malaise. When examined, her pharynx was red and her tonsils enlarged with pus on the surface and in the crypts. Her cervical lymph nodes were also enlarged. The physician suspected a bacterial infection, and therefore took a throat swab for examination and prescribed a course of penicillin so as to prevent complications. Laboratory examination confirmed streptococcal infection, and continued treatment with penicillin. This microbe is gram-positive and it adheres to epithelial cells in the pharynx. It produces several exotoxins and resists phagocytosis. It is spread by oral droplet.

(1) Suggest several precautions to prevent further transmission in this case.

(2)What factor indicated this was a bacterial infection rather than viral?

(3) Describe the typical appearance of Streptococcus under a microscope.

(4)Explain the meaning of gram-positive and how this classification is helpful.

(5) K.W. wanted to stop her medication several days later when the headache and fever disappeared. State two reasons why this is not advisable.