Mobile genetic elements in Moraxella catarrhalis.

Moraxella catarrhalis is a Gram-negative diplococcus that is a strict human pathogen, which for a long period of time was regarded as a simple commensal. Research now shows that this organism is a pathogen its own right and is associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Further, there appears to be a dichotomy in the pathogenic potential of M. catarrhalis with upper respiratory tract infections mainly occurring in children, and lower respiratory tract infections mainly occurring in adults with predisposing pulmonary complications e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).