Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis

Basic description of microbe:

• Rods or Cocci (1.0-1.5 mm x 1.5-2.5 mm)

• Aerobic

• Optimal temperature: 33-35 ˚C

What it looks like on the agar:

• Whole Colony                                      Round

• Margin                                                 Smooth

• Elevation                                              Convex

• Color                                                   White-yellow

Biochemical tests: 

• Phenylalanine Deaminase                      negative

• Urease                                                 negative

• Catalase                                               positive (usually)

Interesting Facts:

• It is usually very sensitive to penicillin

• Parasitic on the mucous membranes of humans and other warm-blooded animals