[Moraxella catarrhalis as an important etiologic factor in infection of the lower bronchial tree].

Moraxella catarrhalis in responsible for a considerable number of bronchopulmonary infections in adults, as well as otitis media and sinusitis in children. Many strains of Moraxella catarrhalis produce beta-lactamase and are resistant to many beta-lactam antibiotics. When Moraxella catarrhalis in considered to be a causative organism, the choice for an empiric antimicrobial therapy should be beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotics.