Branhamella catarrhalis and croup: toxicity in the upper respiratory tract.
Branhamella catarrhalis has gained increasing recognition as a pathogen in the respiratory tract. During the past 18 years, since its transfer from the genus Neisseria, it has been associated with infection in cavities of the respiratory tract (sinuses and middle ear). It has been recognized as playing a role in laryngitis. Its isolation in large numbers from the surface and core of acutely and chronically infected tonsils indicates a possible role in these infections. Croup (two patients reported here) can now be added to this list. The toxic potential of B catarrhalis, its movement from commensal to pathogen for the upper respiratory tract, and the pathogenic mechanisms by which this has occurred are reviewed.
Dudley
J P
JP
Department of Surgery, UCLA Medical Center 90024.
D001424:Bacterial Infections; D002648:Child; D003440:Croup / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D001936:Moraxella catarrhalis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology