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Beta-lactamase production in the upper respiratory tract flora

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Abstract

In order to determine the recovery rate of species of the genera Haemophilus and Moraxella (including subgenus Branhamella) from the upper respiratory tract and the incidence of β-lactamase production within these genera, cultures were made of nose and throat swab specimens and adenoid tissue in 50 children undergoing adenoidectomy.Haemophilus influenzae was isolated from 92% of the children. All children harboured strains of Haemophilus spp. and in 46%, at least one strain produced the TEM-1 β-lactamase.Branhamella catarrhalis and/or Moraxella nonliquefaciens were isolated from 82% of the children and strains producing the BRO-1 β-lactamase from 34%. Overall, TEM-1 and/or BRO-1 producing strains were recovered from 60% of the investigated patients. The β-lactamase production was found to be transferable by conjugation within the respective genera. It is suggested that the apathogenic species may be a source of transferable determinants mediating β-lactamase production in the upper respiratory tract.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Lund, Sölvegatan 23, S-223 62, Lund, Sweden

    I. Eliasson & C. Kamme

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, S-221 85, Lund, Sweden

    K. Prellner

Authors
  1. I. Eliasson
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  2. C. Kamme
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  3. K. Prellner
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Eliasson, I., Kamme, C. & Prellner, K. Beta-lactamase production in the upper respiratory tract flora. Eur. J, Clin. Microbiol. 5, 507–512 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02017692

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