Moraxellasuvut

Moraxella is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria. It is part of the family Moraxellaceae and is commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil and water. The genus was first described by Edward Albert Newton in 1949. Moraxella species are known for their ability to cause infections in humans and animals, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

The genus includes several species, with Moraxella catarrhalis being the most well-known. M. catarrhalis is a common cause of respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis, otitis media, and pneumonia. It is also associated with urinary tract infections and can cause skin and soft tissue infections.

Moraxella species are typically non-motile, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped. They are oxidase-positive and catalase-positive, which can be useful in their identification. The genus is named after the French microbiologist Jean Morax, who made significant contributions to the study of bacteria.

In clinical settings, Moraxella infections are often treated with antibiotics, such as beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance in Moraxella species is a growing concern, highlighting the need for continued research and development of new antimicrobial agents.