Moraxella catarralis was considered a hepatogenic bacterium several decades ago. And now it belongs to one of the most common pathogens of inflammatory processes in the human body. This type of microorganism causes otitis and sinusitis in children. It also causes exacerbation of bronchitis in people in adulthood.
You should know that Moraxella catarralis is a microorganism whose presence in the microflora of the human upper respiratory tract is natural. As a percentage, in children who suffer from otitis media, Moraxella catarrhalis are present in greater numbers than in those who are not susceptible to this disease. Pathogens can be transmitted by airborne droplets or through direct contact with the patient.
Factors contributing to the development of diseases
From the oral cavity of Moraxella, catarralis can descend lower into the lungs and bronchi. When these microorganisms are omitted, respiratory diseases develop such diseases as pneumonia and bronchitis. If we are talking about an adult, then there are factors that contribute to the development of these diseases.
- Smoking.
- Various infections and viruses that infect an adult.
- Taking certain medications. For example, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants.
Infections
In childhood, the spread of Moraxella catarralis contributes to bronchial asthma. Toddlers are more prone to the spread of this type of microorganism. This is due to the fact that their immune system is in its infancy. A feature of this disease is that it is completely impossible to remove it from the body. In children of Moraxella, catarralis in the nose can develop due to viral infections, prematurity.
Moraxella catarrhalis is an aerobic diplococcus. This microorganism is one of the common causes of the appearance of otitis media in the children's body. Also moraxella cataralis contributes to the occurrence of chronic sinusitis.
The bacterium is the causative agent of pneumonia. This pneumonia is considered pneumococcal. About 50% of patients are fatal from other concomitant diseases.
Carriers
Bearers of moraxella cataralis can be both children and adults. People over eighteen are exposed to these microorganisms in small quantities. Approximately 5% of the population contains these bacteria in their body. There are regions of greater concentrations of infected. In the winter months, the number of sick people is usually higher. At risk are infants. The following factors affect Moraxella Cataris Carriage indicators:
- Living conditions of people.
- Good hygiene.
- Environmental impact. Namely, poor environmental conditions.
- Heredity, a tendency to certain diseases.
- Home life: cleanliness, tidiness and more.
Getting into the respiratory tract of a person, Moraxella cataris begins to colonize. Symptoms of these bacteria and the occurrence of otitis media are common. Namely, a cough with sputum, in which there is pus and shortness of breath.
Symptoms of the progression of diseases caused by Moraxella catarrhalis
Depending on which organ is affected by these bacteria, this disease will pass.
- In the case when moraxella falls into the middle ear or sinus of the skull, the child develops otitis media or moderate sinusitis. This disease is accompanied by pain in the ear. Also, a high body temperature appears, purulent discharge is possible. If Moraxella catarralis is located in the nose of a child, then congestion and intoxication occurs.
- When these bacteria are affected by the lower respiratory tract, diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia occur. Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria are present in the sputum of the patient. But to identify their presence in human blood is almost impossible.
- Also, these bacteria can cause conjunctivitis. In this case, the mucous membrane of the eye becomes inflamed and reddens. Photophobia is present. In case of untimely provision of medical care, vision loss is possible.
Diagnosis of the disease
The presence of these bacteria as a pathogen in the body is determined by taking the sputum or mucous membrane of the patient. Further, a special analysis is made in the laboratory to identify bacteria in the human body.
Moraxella cataralis in children and adults. Treatment of diseases caused by these bacteria
It is believed that Moraxella catarrhalis is not specifically needed. And these bacteria will cease to colonize on their own without prescribing drugs.
If the patient has chronic otitis media or sinusitis, then antibiotics are prescribed.
This bacterium can fight the penicillin ring of the first row of antibiotics. Therefore, for the treatment of diseases with the causative agent of Moraxella catarrhalis, the following drugs are prescribed:
- Augmentin and Amoxiclav.
- Zinnat and Cefuroxime.
- Ceftriacon and Cefotaxime.
- Meropinem, Azithromycin, Roxithromycin.
These drugs are suitable for children. In addition to antibiotics, to ease the general condition of the patient, the doctor prescribes antipyretic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and expectorant medicines. Infusion therapy is also prescribed if intoxication is high.
You should be aware that if you experience symptoms of otitis media caused by Moraxella catarrhalis or other diseases, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. So that he can conduct a full examination and prescribe the necessary drugs, procedures. Self-treatment is not welcome. Since it can be harmful to the body. Particular caution should be exercised in dealing with young children, as their immune system is not yet strong.
Little conclusion
Now you know what Moraxella cataralis is. We have also briefly described the treatment of ailments caused by this microorganism. As they said, what kind of disease can the bacterium cause. The topic of diagnosis was also considered in the article. We hope you find this information useful.