Moraxella is a genus of gram-negative, aerobic bacteria that belongs to the family Moraxellaceae. It is named after the Swiss ophthalmologist, Victor Morax, who first described these bacteria in the late 19th century. Moraxella species are small, non-motile, and usually found as diplococci or coccobacilli.
These bacteria are commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, sewage, water, and various natural habitats. Additionally, Moraxella species can be found as part of the normal flora in humans, colonizing the respiratory tract, particularly the nasopharynx. They can also act as opportunistic pathogens and cause infections when the immune system is compromised or when they gain access to other body sites.
Some species of Moraxella are known to cause infections in humans, including respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. They can also cause conjunctivitis, known as "pink eye," which is characterized by redness, itching, and discharge in the eye.
In the laboratory, Moraxella can be identified based on their characteristic morphology, non-motility, and biochemical tests. They are typically oxidase-positive and able to ferment glucose, maltose, and other carbohydrates. Molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing, can also be used for species identification.
Overall, Moraxella bacteria have both environmental and clinical significance. Understanding their characteristics and their role in infections is important for diagnosis and proper treatment of associated diseases.
