Moraxella catarrhalis: A Cause of Concern with Emerging Resistance and Presence of BRO Beta-Lactamase Gene—Report from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

BACKGROUND: Found as a commensal in the upper respiratory tract, Gram-negative diplococcus Moraxella catarrhalis did not hold much importance as an infectious agent for long. The emergence of the first antibiotic-resistant strain of M. catarrhalis was noted in 1977 in Sweden. This has gradually spread worldwide over the years to more than 95% of the strains showing resistance to penicillin now. Penicillin resistance is mediated by the production of beta-lactamases encoded by bro-1 and bro-2 genes that code for beta-lactamases BRO-1 and BRO-2, respectively. The purpose of this study was to explore the trends of antibiotic resistance, the presence of bro genes, and clinical correlation of these findings with the rise in M. catarrhalis was noted in 1977 in Sweden. This has gradually spread worldwide over the years to more than 95% of the strains showing resistance to penicillin now. Penicillin resistance is mediated by the production of beta-lactamases encoded by bro-1 and bro-2 genes that code for beta-lactamases BRO-1 and BRO-2, respectively. The purpose of this study was to explore the trends of antibiotic resistance, the presence of bro genes, and clinical correlation of these findings with the rise in METHODS: Strains of M. catarrhalis was noted in 1977 in Sweden. This has gradually spread worldwide over the years to more than 95% of the strains showing resistance to penicillin now. Penicillin resistance is mediated by the production of beta-lactamases encoded by bro-1 and bro-2 genes that code for beta-lactamases BRO-1 and BRO-2, respectively. The purpose of this study was to explore the trends of antibiotic resistance, the presence of bro genes, and clinical correlation of these findings with the rise in RESULTS: Fourteen strains of M. catarrhalis was noted in 1977 in Sweden. This has gradually spread worldwide over the years to more than 95% of the strains showing resistance to penicillin now. Penicillin resistance is mediated by the production of beta-lactamases encoded by bro-1 and bro-2 genes that code for beta-lactamases BRO-1 and BRO-2, respectively. The purpose of this study was to explore the trends of antibiotic resistance, the presence of bro genes, and clinical correlation of these findings with the rise in CONCLUSION: The increase in antibiotic resistance and beta-lactamase production in M. catarrhalis is a cause of concern. The emerging resistance pattern emphasises the need for an appropriate antibiotic stewardship program in clinical practice. Importance should be given to the monitoring of the trends of antibiotic susceptibility and their usage to prevent the emergence of outbreaks with resistant strains and treatment failures.M. catarrhalis was noted in 1977 in Sweden. This has gradually spread worldwide over the years to more than 95% of the strains showing resistance to penicillin now. Penicillin resistance is mediated by the production of beta-lactamases encoded by bro-1 and bro-2 genes that code for beta-lactamases BRO-1 and BRO-2, respectively. The purpose of this study was to explore the trends of antibiotic resistance, the presence of bro genes, and clinical correlation of these findings with the rise in