Moraksella catharalis 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 media and sinusitis in children. Also causes exacerbation of bronchitis in adults.
You should know that Moraxella catarrhalis is a microorganism whose presence in the microflora of the human upper respiratory tract is natural. In percentage terms, in children who have otitis media, Moraxella catarrhalis is 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 a sick person.
Factors contributing to her development of diseases
From the oral cavity, Moraxella catarrhalis can descend lower into the lungs and bronchi. When these microorganisms are lowered into the respiratory organs, diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis develop. If we are talking about an adult, then there are factors thatcontribute to the development of these diseases.
- Smoking.
- Various infections and viruses that infect the body of an adult.
- Taking certain medications. For example, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants.
Infections
In childhood, the spread of Moraxella catarrhalis is promoted by bronchial asthma. Babies are more susceptible 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 almost impossible to completely remove it from the body. In children of Moraxella, catarrhalis 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 otitis media in children. Moraxella catarrhalis also contributes to chronic sinusitis.
Bacteria is the causative agent of pneumonia. This pneumonia is considered pneumococcal. About 50% of patients die from other concomitant diseases.
Media
Carriers of Moraxella catharalis 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 with a greater concentration of infected people. In the winter months, the number of sick people is usually higher. Infants are at risk. For indicatorsCarriage of Moraxella catarrhalis is influenced by the following factors:
- The living conditions of people.
- Kept hygiene.
- Influence of the environment. Namely, poor environmental conditions.
- Heredity, susceptibility to certain diseases.
- Home life: cleanliness, tidiness and more.
Getting into the human respiratory tract, Moraxella catarrhalis begins to colonize. Symptoms of ingestion of these bacteria and the occurrence of otitis media are of a general nature. Namely, a cough with sputum in which there is pus and shortness of breath.
Symptoms of disease progression caused by Moraxella catarrhalis
Depending on which organ is affected by these bacteria, this disease will pass.
- In the case when moraxella gets into the middle ear or the sinus of the skull, the child develops otitis media or sinusitis of moderate severity. This disease is accompanied by pain in the ear. There is also a high body temperature, purulent discharge is possible. If there is Moraxella catarrhalis in the nose of a child, then congestion and intoxication occur.
- When these bacteria affect the lower respiratory tract, diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia occur. Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria are present in the patient's sputum. But it is almost impossible to detect their presence in human blood.
- Also, these bacteria can cause conjunctivitis. At the same time, mucouseyes become inflamed and red. There is photophobia. If medical care is not provided in time, vision loss is possible.
Diagnosis of disease
The presence of these bacteria as a pathogen in the body is determined by taking sputum or mucosa of the patient. Further, a special analysis is done in the laboratory to detect bacteria in the human body.
Moraksella catharalis in children and adults. Treatment of diseases caused by these bacteria
There is an opinion that there is no need to specifically get rid of Moraxella catarrhalis. And these bacteria will stop colonizing 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 line of antibiotics. Therefore, for the treatment of diseases with the causative agent Moraxella catarrhalis, the following drugs are prescribed:
- "Augmentin" and "Amoxiclav".
- Zinnat and Cefuroxime.
- Ceftriakone and Cefotaxime.
- Meropinem, Azithromycin, Roxithromycin.
These preparations are suitable for children. In addition to antibiotics, to alleviate the general condition of the patient, the doctor prescribes antipyretic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, expectorant drugs. Infusion therapy is also prescribed if the intoxication of the body is high.
You should know that if symptoms of otitis media caused by Moraxella catarrhalis or other diseases appear, 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. Because it can harm the body. You should be especially careful with young children, as their immune systems are not yet strong.
Small conclusion
Now you know what Moraxella catharalis is. We also briefly described the treatment of ailments caused by this microorganism. As they said, what diseases the bacterium can cause. The topic of diagnostics was also discussed in the article. We hope that this information was useful to you.
