Moraxella catarrhalis is a type of bacteria that is part of the normal flora of the human respiratory system. It is Gram-negative bacteria that can cause many diseases in children and adults, such as Acute Otitis Media, Sinusitis, and COPD. In rare cases, it can cause Pneumonia or Bronchitis in adults with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease. In addition, Moraxella catarrhalis can cause Meningitis in newborns, which is an inflammation of the layers that surround the brain. Researchers are developing a vaccination for Meningitis that is caused by this bacterium.
In the early stages, Moraxella catarrhalis can be mistaken for a cold or the flu because of its symptoms. Some symptoms include high fever, fatigue, nose drainage, pain in the eye and forehead, and swelling in the face. It can be transmitted by respiratory droplets.
M. catarrhalis can be treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It can be prevented by washing hands with soap and water regularly, using hand sanitizer that is alcohol-based, exercising, and eating healthy.
Moraxella catarrhalis was discovered at the end of the nineteenth century and is now the third most common pathogen of the respiratory tract.
Molecular genetic testing is gaining popularity for the detection of respiratory pathogens. Identifying slow-growing pathogens can be difficult using traditional culturing.
Solaris Diagnostics uses RT-PCR analysis to improve the sensitivity and specificity of detecting respiratory pathogens for accurate treatment.
At Solaris Diagnostics, our Respiratory Pathogen Panel uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify selected sections of DNA for analysis. PCR is fast, producing results within hours, and is highly sensitive, capable of viral detection before the onset of disease.
Information courtesy of https://www.healthline.com/health/Moraxella-catarrhalis
Benefits of Working with Solaris Diagnostics
Now you can provide patients with the quickest and most accurate diagnosis possible from our high-complexity, CLIA accredited laboratory. Choose Solaris Diagnostics for:
- Simple collection
- Results by 5:00 pm on the day the lab receives the specimen
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Our experts assist clinicians and health care providers in rapidly identifying the pathogens and underlying causes of disease. We know that fast and accurate diagnoses lead to better patient outcomes.
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