High Isolation Rate of Branhamella Catarrhalis from the Nasopharynx in Adults with Acute Laryngitis

Abstract

Branhamella catarrhalis was isolated from the nasopharynx in 55% of 40 non-compromised adult patients suffering from acute laryngitis. Diplococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were found in another 5 and 8%, respectively; one patient had group A streptococci in the throat specimen. In 90% of the patients the laryngitis complaints were preceded by symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection. Two of the patients with B. catarrhalis showed a significant titre conversion against influenza B and parainfluenza type 3 virus, respectively. Attempts to isolate virus failed in all cases. The results indicate that B. catarrhalis, known to cause acute otitis media in small children and respiratory tract infections in adult compromised hosts, may be involved in the etiology of acute laryngitis in otherwise healthy adults.