What is the Most Common Member of the Genus Moraxella

Question

What is the most common member of the genus Moraxella isolated in the clinical laboratory?
A) M. nonliquefaciens
B) M. osloensis
C) M. lacunata
D) M. catarrhalis

Accepted Answer

Moraxella catarrhalis is the most commonly isolated member of the genus Moraxella in the clinical laboratory setting. It is a normal inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract and can cause infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. M. nonliquefaciens, M. osloensis, and M. lacunata are also members of the genus Moraxella but are less commonly isolated in clinical settings.