Cocci that occur in pairs are referred to as diplococci. Image 2 contains many gram-positive diplococci.
Image 2. Examples of Gram-positive diplococci.Lancet-shaped gram-positive diplococci from a lower respiratory tract specimen could indicate Streptococcus pneumoniae. Organisms that may be harbored in the upper respiratory tract gain access to the alveolar spaces by aspiration or inhalation. Image 3 is a Gram stain made from a lower respiratory tract specimen. The gram-positive diplococci can be presumptively identified as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Image 3. Lower respiratory Gram stain with Gram-positive diplococci.
