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It can also cause respiratory disease in adults, such as bronchopneumonia.
Although rare, systemic (widespread) infections may occur, including infective endocarditis and meningitis.
First reported in 1896,M.
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catarrhaliswas originally namedMicrococcus catarrhalisfollowed byNeisseria catarrhalis.M.
For this reason, the name of the bacteria has caused much confusion.
catarrhalisis sometimes mistaken for species of Neisseria, they are distinguishable through lab tests.
This article will discuss the features, common infections, and treatments ofM.
The Emergence of a Pathogen
For several decades,M.
catarrhaliswas believed to be a harmless inhabitant of the nasopharynx.Over time, the variety ofM.
M. Catarrhalis Bacteria Features
Features ofM.
key in 1 SR is also pathogenic and can readily attach itself to epithelial cells.
M. catarrhalis has become more resistant to antibiotics since the 1980s.
Susceptibility in Children
Children are more likely than adults to carryM.
catarrhalisin their upper respiratory tracts.
Studies have shown thatM.
However, invasive diseases (like bacteremia) that are caused byM.
OM can also occur in adults, but is uncommon.
Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs far less than viral conjunctivitis in adults.
Of these cases, approximately 19% are caused byM.
catarrhalis,and the numbers are increasing.
Although very rare, meningitis caused byM.
Although vaccines can prevent some types of meningitis, there are currently no vaccines forM.
Common symptoms of COPD include wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing, and excess mucus in the lungs.
COPD can go through periods of stable but progressive disease and acute exacerbations associated with respiratory infections.M.
Bronchopneumoniais a throw in ofpneumoniathat pops up if the alveoli become inflamed, affecting patches throughout both lungs.
However, some studies have suggested that cases of bronchopneumonia byM.
catarrhalisappear toaffect older adults during the winter months.
However, a weakened immune system can causeM.
They include amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline, clarithromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), which show strong effectiveness againstM.
However, increasing antibiotic resistance is a concern.
M. Catarrhalis Vaccine Status
Currently, there is no licensed vaccine forM.
However, due to the significance ofM.
Summary
Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis)is bacteria that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.M.
In rare cases,M.
catarrhaliscan cause systemic diseases, including infective endocarditis and meningitis.
M. catarrhalisis the third-leading bacterial cause of respiratory infections in children.
However, invasive diseases that are caused byM.
catarrhalisare rare in children, even those who have underlying health conditions or are immunocompromised.
M. catarrhalisinfections are commonly treated with antibiotics.
These include amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline, clarithromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), which show strong effectiveness againstM.
A Word From Verywell
M. catarrhalisinfections are preventable.
In children, reduce exposure to cigarette smoke and avoid crowded areas.
As there is no current licensed vaccine forM.
influenzaecan also cause OM.
catarrhalisinfections in adults, practice good hygiene practices (handwashing) and sterilization techniques.
catarrhalisare rare, but can happen if your infection is left untreated.
In addition, there are different variants ofMoraxella catarrhalisthat permit different pathogenicities (tendency to cause illness).
Moraxella catarrhalisis contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing) and mucus secretions.
It can also be transmitted in hospitals, especially during the winter months.
Moraxella catarrhalisbelongs to the family Moraxellacea.
Despite similarities between Neisseria (Neisseria gonorrheaecauses sexually transmitted infections) and Moraxella, they are distinct.M.
catarrhalisthat produced urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).
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