Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis

Introduction

Formerly: Branhamella catarrhalis.

• gram-negative diplococcus
• component of normal oral flora
  • colonization is more common during the winter
• most strains produce beta-lactamase

Etiology

Risk factors:

• underlying lung disease - COPD
• alcoholism
• diabetes mellitus
• immunocompromised patients

Pathology

• sinusitis
• otitis
• pneumonia
  • segmental patchy bronchopneumomia
  • lower lobes most frequently involved
  • cavitation & pleural effusion are rare
• COPD exacerbation
• bacteremia is rare

Laboratory

• Moraxella catarrhalis g1b gene

Management

(antimicrobial therapy)

• Bactrim
• Augmentin
• 2nd or 3rd generation cephalosporin
• clarithromycin
• azithromycin

More general terms

• Moraxella