title: Respiratory tract infections due to Branhamella catarrhalis: epidemiological data from Western Australia.
abstract: During a 3-year period Branhamella catarrhalis was isolated in significant numbers from 239 (1.3%) of 19,488 specimens of sputum sent for routine microbiological examination at a 700-bed general hospital. The majority of patients (83%) were over 60 years of age and 65% were male. There was a distinct seasonal variation in isolations with a peak incidence during the winter and early spring, a pattern not found with other pathogens. Susceptibility to amoxycillin decreased by approximately 50% over the 3 years, corresponding to an increased incidence of beta-lactamase-producing strains. There were minimal changes in susceptibility to other antimicrobial agents. Underlying pulmonary disease was the major factor predisposing to B. catarrhalis infection, and 71% of patients were smokers or ex-smokers.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D001936:Moraxella catarrhalis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology; D014904:Western Australia