It is a gram-negative diplococcus that commonly lives as a commensal in the upper respiratory tract. It was previously called Branhamella catarrhalis. Its pathogenicity increases after prolonged exposure to cold conditions.
It may cause otitis media, sinusitis (third most common cause), laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
Diagnosis is made by:
Key laboratory features include:
Apart from biochemical features, it can be differentiated from Neisseria by a rapid test based on hydrolysis of tributyrin:
Treatment options include amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, second- and third-generation cephalosporins, and azithromycin/clarithromycin.
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