Complement resistance is a virulence factor of Branhamella (Moraxella) catarrhalis

The purpose of this study was to investigate complement resistance in Branhamella (Moraxella) catarrhalis isolated from healthy schoolchildren or sputum-producing adult patients. Two techniques were used: a serum bactericidal assay as the gold standard and an easier ‘culture and spot’ test. Children...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inFEMS immunology and medical microbiology Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 207 - 211
Main Authors Hol, Cees, Verduin, Cees M., Van Dijke, Etienne E.A., Verhoef, Jan, Fleer, André, van Dijk, Hans
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 1995
Subjects
Branhamella
Complement resistance
Moraxella
Respiratory tract
Virulence
Respiratory tract
Branhamella
Complement resistance
Moraxella
Virulence
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to investigate complement resistance in Branhamella (Moraxella) catarrhalis isolated from healthy schoolchildren or sputum-producing adult patients. Two techniques were used: a serum bactericidal assay as the gold standard and an easier ‘culture and spot’ test. Children (age 4–13; n = 303) and patients ( n = 1047) showed high colonization/infection rates with B. catarrhalis (31% and 19%, respectively). Complement resistance or intermediate sensitivity occurred frequently in patient isolates (62% and 27%, respectively) and less often in children (33% and 8.5%, respectively; P ⪡ 0.0001). In young children (age 4–5 years), the proportion of complement-resistant strains was around 50%. Complement resistance in B. catarrhalis is associated with illness and may hence be considered a virulence factor.
ISSN:0928-8244
1574-695X
DOI:10.1016/0928-8244(95)00026-4