Moraxella Catarrhalis

Moraxella catarrhalis is a gram-negative, facultative, non-motile bacterium which is a common cause of acute and chronic respiratory tract infections in humans. It is an important nosocomial pathogen, capable of causing multi-drug resistant infections, and is also a significant colonizer of the human nasopharynx. In terms of its significance, Moraxella catarrhalis is associated with a range of lower respiratory tract infections that can range from mild to severe such as bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis. Clinically, it is associated with a wide range of symptoms including fever, productive cough and purulent nasal discharge. In terms of its uses, treatment options exist in the form of targeted antibiotics or broader spectrum agents, depending on the patient's history and diagnostic results. Moreover, vaccination and the early detection of M. catarrhalis can help reduce the incidence of infection thereby improving patient outcomes.