Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1991 Sep;5(3):523-38.

Abstract

Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis is now a well-recognized pathogen in lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in the setting of chronic lung disease. The ability to produce beta-lactamase, which now characterizes most clinical strains, appears to be a recently acquired trait. The most common clinical syndrome caused by this organism is exacerbation of chronic bronchitis; this syndrome has been well described in Europe, Japan, and the United States, particularly from centers with a large elderly population with chronic lung disease. The syndrome of pneumonia is less common, and suppurative complications and bacteremia are rare.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bronchitis / epidemiology
  • Bronchitis / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / classification*
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / drug effects
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / immunology
  • Neisseriaceae Infections / epidemiology
  • Neisseriaceae Infections / microbiology*
  • Pneumonia / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia / microbiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Syndrome
  • Terminology as Topic
  • beta-Lactamases / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactamases