Respiratory tract infections due to Branhamella catarrhalis: epidemiological data from Western Australia

Digiovanni, C., Riley, T.V., Hoyne, G.F., Yeo, R. and Cooksey, P. (1987) Respiratory tract infections due to Branhamella catarrhalis: epidemiological data from Western Australia. Epidemiology and Infection, 99 (02). pp. 445-453.

Abstract

During a 3-year period Branhamella catarrhalis was isolated in significant numbers from 239 (1·3%) of 19488 specimens of sputum sent for routine microbiological examination at a 700-bed general hospital. The majority of patients (83%) were over 60 years of age and 65% were male. There was a distinet seasonal variation in isolations with a peak incidence during the winter and early spring, a pattern not found with other pathogens. Susceptibility to amoxycillin decreased by approximately 50% over the 3 years, corresponding to an increased incidence of beta-lactamase-producing strains. There were minimal changes in susceptibility to other antimicrobial agents. Underlying pulmonary disease was the major factor predisposing to B. catarrhalis infection, and 71% of patients were smokers or ex-smokers.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Copyright:	© 1987 Cambridge University Press
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/35471

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