Isolation of Moraxella catarrhalis from sputum specimens of Malaysian patients

Moraxella catarrhalis has gained reputation as a pathogen in the lower respiratory tract especially in patients with underlying chronic lung diseases. It is considered significant when isolated from sputum specimens of adults with respiratory tract infections. A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Moraxella catarrhalis isolated in sputum specimens and beta-lactamase production of these isolates. Sputum specimens sent to the Bacteriology division, Institute for Medical Research from April 1990 until April 1993 were screened for Moraxella catarrhalis. A total of 1678 sputum specimens were processed and Moraxella catarrhalis was isolated from 15 (0.89%) of the sputum specimens. Six out of 15 (40%) were isolated from patients with chronic lung disease. Eight out of 15 (47%) were beta-lactamase producers. Moraxella catarrhalis isolated in good-quality sputum must not be disregarded and should be looked for especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Beta-lactamase production should be tested on all isolates so that appropriate treatment can be given. All the isolates in this study were sensitive to cotrimoxazole.