BRANHAMELLA-CATARRHALIS PNEUMONIA - REPORT OF 2 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

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Abstract
Two cases of B. catarrhalis pneumonia are presented and the literature on 2 previous cases is reviewed. An 80 yr old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia presented with left lower lobe pneumonia. Gram stain of transtracheal aspirate revealed intraleukocytic and extraleukocytic gram-negative diplococci; a .beta.-lactamase producing strain of B. catarrhalis was cultured. Therapy with erythromycin resulted in resolution of symptoms and eradication of the organism. A 64 yr old alcoholic man presented with fever and multiple seizures. Chest roentgenogram revealed left lower lobe pneumonia. Cultures of endotracheal aspirate and blood grew a strain of B. catarrhalis sensitive to penicillin. Penicillin treatment resulted in resolution of pulmonary infiltrate and eradication of the organism. The potential for B. catarrhalis to produce pneumonia and the choice of antimicrobial therapy is discussed. This organism apparently should not be assumed to be a normal isolate; penicillin may be ineffective in the treatment of B. catarrhalis infections.

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