What does Moraxella catarrhalis look like?
catarrhalis must be distinguished from Neisseria spp. Colonies of M. catarrhalis may have a rough surface and be friable in consistency, pinkish-brown in color, and opaque.
Is Moraxella catarrhalis a virus?
Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis) is a type of bacteria that’s also known as Neisseria catarrhalis and Branhamella catarrhalis. It used to be considered a normal part of the human respiratory system, but more recent research shows that can it sometimes causes infections.
What is the shape of Moraxella catarrhalis?
(coccobacillus) Curved, straight or bean-shaped: bacilli come in many variants and are widely spread. Moraxella catarrhalis is an aerobic, Gram-negative coccobacillus – previously also referred to as Neisseria catarrhalis or Micrococcus catarrhalis.
Where is Moraxella found?
Moraxella organisms are Gram-negative cocci in the family Neisseriaceae. They were previously known as diplococcus of Morax-Axenfeld. Moraxellae are normal inhabitants of the upper respiratory tract and are also found on the skin and in the urogenital tract.
What disease does Moraxella catarrhalis cause?
A number of common childhood illnesses, including some middle ear (otitis media) and sinus infections (sinusitis), are caused by Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria. On rare occasions, this same organism may cause a blood infection (bacteremia), an eye infection (conjunctivitis), and meningitis in newborns.
Is Moraxella catarrhalis serious?
While M. catarrhalis can be responsible for mild sinus and ear infections in children, it can be much more dangerous in people with a compromised immune system. M. catarrhalis usually stays in the respiratory tracts of adults who have illnesses like cystic fibrosis or an autoimmune disease.
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 transmitted?
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.
Do you need antibiotics for Moraxella catarrhalis?
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for M. catarrhalis infections. However, this bacterium produces an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which makes it resistant to certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and ampicillin.
What kind of infections 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. M. catarrhalis is a frequent cause of Otitis media in children
Is the m.catarrhalis bacterium dangerous to children?
Up until the past few decades M. catarrhalis was thought to be a relatively harmless bacterium that rarely caused infections. While M. catarrhalis can be responsible for mild sinus and ear infections in children, it can be much more dangerous in people with a compromised immune system.
What are the symptoms of Moraxella catarrhalis ( COPD )?
M. catarrhalis usually stays in the respiratory tracts of adults who have illnesses like cystic fibrosis or an autoimmune disease. COPD. COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its symptoms usually include mucus in the lungs, problems breathing, and frequent coughing.
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.
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