Both Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Cryptococcus Neoformans Are Causes of Meningitis

Multiple Choice

Both Streptococcus pneumoniae and Cryptococcus neoformans are causes of meningitis, and both are diagnosed by microscopic observation. How are they distinguished in the microscope?

A) Cryptococcus is a fungus whereas Streptococcus is a bacterium; cells will be dramatically different in complexity and size.
B) These organisms have different cellular arrangements; Streptococcus form chains, whereas Cryptococcus forms irregular clusters of cells.
C) Because Cryptococcus is a fungus, it will not react in the Gram stain, and the cells will always remain colorless.
D) Streptococcus has a prominent capsule that can be observed by negative staining of the sample.