Summary about Disease
Moraxella catarrhalis* is a bacterium commonly found in the upper respiratory tract of humans. While often harmless, it can cause infections, particularly in children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions. These infections commonly include middle ear infections (otitis media), sinus infections (sinusitis), and lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Symptoms
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): Ear pain, fever, irritability (especially in children), pulling at the ear, fluid draining from the ear.
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection): Nasal congestion, facial pain/pressure, headache, thick nasal discharge (may be yellow or green), cough.
Bronchitis: Cough (may be productive with mucus), shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort.
Pneumonia: Cough (often productive), fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing.
Causes
Moraxella catarrhalis* is the direct cause. Infection occurs when the bacteria colonize the respiratory tract and multiply, leading to inflammation and symptoms. Risk factors include:
Young age (particularly children under 2 years old)
Older adults
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Weakened immune system
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Recent upper respiratory infection (e.g., a cold)
Medicine Used
Moraxella catarrhalis* is commonly resistant to penicillin antibiotics.
Antibiotics: Common choices include:
Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin)
Azithromycin
Clarithromycin
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) - generally reserved for adults due to potential side effects.
Symptomatic Treatment:
Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) for fever and pain.
Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) for nasal congestion (use with caution, especially in young children and individuals with high blood pressure).
Is Communicable
Yes, Moraxella catarrhalis* can be communicable. It spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Close contact with an infected individual increases the risk of transmission.
Precautions
Hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water is essential.
Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue or your elbow. Dispose of tissues properly.
Avoid Sharing: Do not share personal items like cups, utensils, or towels.
Avoid Close Contact: Limit close contact with individuals who are sick.
Vaccination: There is no vaccine currently available for Moraxella catarrhalis.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an infection varies depending on the type of infection and the individual's overall health.
Otitis Media: Symptoms may last for 1-2 weeks.
Sinusitis: Symptoms can last for 2-3 weeks (acute sinusitis) or longer (chronic sinusitis).
Bronchitis: Symptoms may last for 1-3 weeks.
Pneumonia: Recovery can take several weeks, especially in elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms typically begin to improve within a few days.
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical Evaluation: A doctor will assess symptoms and perform a physical examination.
Specimen Collection: Samples may be collected for testing:
Middle Ear Fluid: For otitis media.
Nasal Swab or Aspirate: For sinusitis.
Sputum Sample: For bronchitis or pneumonia.
Laboratory Testing: The collected sample is cultured to identify Moraxella catarrhalis. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is often performed to determine the most effective antibiotic.
Imaging: Chest X-rays may be used to diagnose pneumonia.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation Period: Usually short, a few days to a week.
Initial Symptoms: May resemble a common cold (e.g., nasal congestion, mild cough).
Progression: Symptoms worsen over several days, developing into the specific infection (otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia).
Peak Symptoms: Occur within a week of onset, depending on the infection type.
Resolution: With treatment, symptoms gradually improve over several days to weeks.
Important Considerations
Antibiotic Resistance: Moraxella catarrhalis* is often resistant to certain antibiotics, making appropriate antibiotic selection crucial.
Underlying Conditions: Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma) may experience more severe infections.
Complications: Untreated infections can lead to complications, such as persistent sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, or, in rare cases, more serious conditions like meningitis or bacteremia.
Consult a Doctor: It is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment, especially if symptoms are severe or do not improve with home care.