Branhamella infections. An increasingly common respiratory illness

Branhamella catarrhalis is an important cause of acute sinusitis and otitis media in children and of acute tracheobronchitis in older persons with underlying chronic lung disease or a suppressed immune system. Clinical presentation of B catarrhalis infection varies from a mild, self-limiting disease to severe pneumonia, but most cases are mild to moderate in severity. Infection occurs sporadically, and endogenous spread from the oropharynx is the likely mechanism. The keys to diagnosis are a high index of clinical suspicion, correct interpretation of Gram's stain of sputum, and subsequent confirmation on culture. Because most strains of B catarrhalis produce beta lactamase, antibiotics that resist beta-lactamase production, eg, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin), erythromycin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), are recommended. Mild infections can be self-limiting and may not require antibiotic therapy.