Open AccessComplement resistance is a virulence factor of Branhamella (Moraxella) catarrhalis
Author(s) -
Hol Cees,
Verduin Cees M.,
Dijke Etienne E.A.,
Verhoef Jan,
Fleer André,
Dijk Hans
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1995.tb00118.x
Subject(s) - moraxella catarrhalis , moraxella (branhamella) catarrhalis , microbiology and biotechnology , virulence , neisseriaceae , biology , moraxella , virulence factor , immunology , bacteria , streptococcus pneumoniae , antibiotics , biochemistry , genetics , gene
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.