Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Moraxella
catarrhalis in sputum specimens among patients with lower respiratory
tract infection. A total of 200 sputum specimens collected from Khartoum
state in Alshaab hospital during January to June 2011. Bacteriological
analysis of sputum specimens were performed for Moraxella catarrhalis
including inoculation on Sheep blood agar and on chocolate agar The
identity of the isolates was confirmed by DNAse test, Tributyrin test and
reduction of nitrate to nitrite. Susceptibility testing and ß-lactamase
production were carried out for each isolate. Out of 200 sputum
specimens; 2 (1%) Moraxella catarrhalis was recovered from patients
with age more than 50 years. The two isolates produced β-lactamase and
resistance to ampicillin. They were susceptible to Amoxyclav,
Azithromycin,
Ceftazidime
Ceftriaxon,
Cephalexin,
Cephotaxime,
Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin ,Cotrimoxazole and Erythromycin. This
study showed that M. catarrhalis considered being one of important
respiratory tract pathogen in adults particularly with age more than 50
years old. Since most strains produce ß-lactamase, antibiotic therapy
should be guided by in-vitro susceptibility tests.
