Moraxella catarrhalis

Background

Microbiology

• Gram-negative diplococcus that is oxidase positive
• Colonies have a "hockey puck" quality where they can be easily slid around the plate
• Have beta lactamases

Clinical Presentation

• Common cause of acute bacterial sinusitis and acute otitis media in children
• Can cause pneumonia in immunocompromised patients or those with COPD
  • Rarely associated with bacteremia

Management

• Treatment is with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, TMP-SMX, or a third-generation cephalosporin