What are the symptoms of Moraxella catarrhalis?

M. catarrhalis sometimes also causes sinus infections. These infections are typically mistaken for a cold or allergies until the symptoms get worse. Some symptoms include discolored drainage from the nose, high fever, fatigue, swelling in the face, and pain in the forehead or behind the eyes.

What diseases does Moraxella catarrhalis cause?

M. catarrhalis causes acute, localized infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, and bronchopneumonia as well as life-threatening, systemic diseases including endocarditis and meningitis.

Where is branhamella Catarrhalis found?

Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis, formerly called Neisseria catarrhalis or Micrococcus catarrhalis, is a gram-negative, aerobic diplococcus frequently found as a commensal of the upper respiratory tract (124, 126; G. Ninane, J. Joly, P. Piot, and M.

Which of the following is characteristic of Moraxella catarrhalis?

Moraxella catarrhalis is a fastidious, nonmotile, Gram-negative, aerobic, oxidase-positive diplococcus that can cause infections of the respiratory system, middle ear, eye, central nervous system, and joints of humans.

How is Moraxella catarrhalis diagnosed?

Confirmation of the diagnosis of M catarrhalis infection is based on isolation of the organism in culture. Cultures can be taken from middle ear effusion, the nasopharynx, sputum, sinus aspirates, transtracheal or transbronchial aspirates, blood, peritoneal fluid, wounds, or urine.

What is the best antibiotic for Moraxella catarrhalis?

Amoxicillin-clavulanate, second- and third-generation oral cephalosporins, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) are the most recommended agents. Alternatively, azithromycin or clarithromycin can be used. More than 90% of M catarrhalis strains have been shown to resist amoxicillin, and these rates vary by region.

How is Moraxella catarrhalis treated?

How do you prevent Moraxella catarrhalis?

Universal precautions, good hand-washing technique, and sterilization of instruments and tubes used in intubations, aspiration, or invasive procedures may reduce or prevent the nosocomial infections caused by M catarrhalis. Cessation of smoking and prevention of passive smoking may reduce M catarrhalis infections.

How do you test for Moraxella catarrhalis?

Laboratory Studies A complete blood count (CBC) should be obtained. An increased white blood cell (WBC) count with neutrophilia may be present. Gram-negative diplococci are found on Gram staining of cultures. Strict adherence to the staining protocol is required.

How common is Moraxella catarrhalis?

catarrhalis is a common cause of otitis media (middle ear infections) in infants and children in whom the bacteria are naturally present in the nasopharynx. According to research, approximately 50–80% of children in the United States have at least one episode of otitis media by the age of 1 year.

Does Moraxella catarrhalis need to be treated?

Infections caused by M. catarrhalis usually respond well to antibiotics. However, almost all strains of M. catarrhalis produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which makes them resistant to some common antibiotics, such as penicillin and ampicillin.

How does Moraxella catarrhalis spread?

Transmission is believed to be due to direct contact with contaminated secretions by droplets. The endotoxin of M catarrhalis, a lipopolysaccharide similar to those found in Neisseria species, may play a role in the disease process.

What are the symptoms of m.catarrhalis infection?

Both pneumonia and bronchitis produce similar symptoms, the main one being a cough that produces mucus and often lasts for weeks. However, the symptoms of pneumonia are usually more severe. M. catarrhalis can also cause sinus infections in children as well as adults with weakened immune systems.

What kind of infection does Moraxella catarrhalis cause?

Moraxella catarrhalis is a gram-negative cocci that causes ear and upper and lower respiratory infections. M. catarrhalis is also known as Branhamella catarrhalis. It is the 2nd most common bacterial cause of COPD exacerbations after nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae.

Are there pathognomonic features of m.catarrhalis otitis media?

There is no pathognomonic feature of M. catarrhalis otitis media, acute or chronic sinusitis, or pneumonia. In lower respiratory disease, patients have increased cough, purulent sputum production, and increased dyspnea.

How often does m.catarrhalis occur in adults?

The prevalence of M. catarrhalis colonization depends on age. About 1 to 5% of healthy adults have upper respiratory tract colonization.

What are the symptoms of Moraxella catarrhalis? M. catarrhalis sometimes also causes sinus infections. These infections are typically mistaken for a cold or allergies until the symptoms get worse. Some symptoms include discolored drainage from the nose, high fever, fatigue, swelling in the face, and pain in the forehead or behind the eyes. What diseases…