title: Pathogenicity of Branhamella catarrhalis.
abstract: Branhamella catarrhalis--a Gram-negative diplococcus--differs biochemically from other Neisseriaceae and possesses a specific protein with antigenic properties. Although scattered cases of meningitis and endocarditis have been reported since 1907, B. catarrhalis has been considered a non-pathogenic, pharyngeal commensal. However, relatively recent reports have shown B. catarrhalis to play a significant role in the etiology of otitis media and bronchopulmonary infections. Some reports also indicate a pathogenic role in sinusitis and longstanding cough in children, and in acute laryngitis in adults. B. catarrhalis is susceptible to co-trimoxazole, erythromycin, cephalosporins and tetracyclines. Most strains are also susceptible to penicillin, but the frequency of beta-lactamase producing B. catarrhalis has increased from 4% to 25% during the last six years (Sweden). First choice antibiotics in infections with penicillin-resistant strains would be erythromycin and co-trimoxazole.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007827:Laryngitis / Q000382:microbiology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009343:Neisseria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000382:microbiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000382:microbiology; D013420:Sulfamethoxazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014295:Trimethoprim / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004917:Erythromycin; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; D014295:Trimethoprim; D013420:Sulfamethoxazole