The surface of Branhamella catarrhalis: a systematic approach to the surface antigens of an emerging pathogen.

The incidence of B. catarrhalis as a cause of otitis media is increasing. As strategies for preventing infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and nontypable H. influenzae are developed, the relative importance of B. catarrhalis will increase further in the next decade. A goal of studies of surface antigens is to identify potential vaccine components. Surface antigens of B. catarrhalis include OMPs, LOS and fimbriae. Preliminary studies indicate that OMPs and LOS are relatively antigenically conserved among strains. Future investigations should be directed toward identifying conserved antigens that will generate protective antibodies.