[Branhamella catarrhalis in respiratory infections]

Given the increasing interest that Branhamella catarrhalis is acquiring as a possible pathogen of the respiratory tract, we have studied 81 sputum samples of patients with respiratory problems with the aim of evaluating its clinical significance. In 22 of these patients (27.2%) the implication of B. catarrhalis could be established, either as a primary pathogen (40.9%) or in association with other pathogens, especially with Haemophilus influenzae (36.4%). Chronic bronchitis and bronchopneumonia were the clinical manifestations more frequently associated with B. catarrhalis. 79.0% of the strains were beta-lactamase producers, although only 58.0% of them were resistant to ampicillin.