The Medical journal of Australia
-
Comparative Study
Branhamella (Moraxella) catarrhalis: pathogenic significance in respiratory infections.
To assess the pathogenic significance of Branhamella catarrhalis isolates in patients with respiratory infections and to define the clinical characteristics of such patients. ⋯ B. catarrhalis causes respiratory infection more frequently than is generally appreciated. Isolation of this organism from the respiratory tract had pathogenic significance or possible pathogenic significance in 50% of our patients. If therapy is indicated in patients with respiratory infection caused by this organism, traditional beta-lactam regimens cannot be relied upon, as shown by the high rate of beta-lactamase production in this study; a tetracycline, erythromycin, a second or third generation cephalosporin, or the combination of a penicillin derivative and beta-lactamase inhibitor should be considered.