Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
[Invasive infection with Moraxella catarrhalis in two children with lymphatic leukemia and granulocytopenia]
M R Ernst-Kruis1, M I Rutgers, T Révész
1Afd. Algemene Kindergeneeskunde en Infectieziekten, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Postbus 85.090, 3508 AB Utrecht.
Insights
Invasive Moraxella catarrhalis infections occurred in two children with leukaemia during granulocytopenia. While one child recovered from pneumonia, the other succumbed to septic shock, highlighting risks in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Hematology-Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Moraxella catarrhalis is a common upper respiratory tract colonizer in children.
- In children, M. catarrhalis typically causes otitis media and sinusitis.
- Adults are more prone to M. catarrhalis-related laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Observation:
- Two pediatric leukemia patients experienced invasive M. catarrhalis infections during periods of granulocytopenia.
- One child developed pneumonia and recovered following antibiotic treatment.
- The second child experienced severe septic shock and unfortunately died.
Findings:
- M. catarrhalis can cause severe invasive infections in immunocompromised children.
- Leukemia patients with granulocytopenia are at increased risk for severe M. catarrhalis infections.
- Outcomes varied significantly, with one recovery and one fatality.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential severity of M. catarrhalis in pediatric leukemia patients.
- Emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding bacterial infections in immunocompromised children.
- Suggests that prompt and appropriate antibiotic management is crucial for M. catarrhalis infections in this population.
Abstract:
In two young children with leukaemia, a girl and a boy aged 5 and 4 years, respectively, an invasive infection due to Moraxella catarrhalis was diagnosed at the time of granulocytopenia. They were treated with antibiotics. The first child developed pneumonia and recovered, the other developed severe septic shock and died. M. catarrhalis is a Gram-negative diplococcus, frequently colonising the upper respiratory tract in young children. In childhood this pathogen mainly causes infections such as otitis media and sinusitis, while in adults it primarily causes laryngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Immunocompromised patients or patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disease have an increased risk of severe infections.
