Moraxella, Acinetobacter, and the Mimeae

Abstract

Moraxella is a group of parasites on mucous membranes of man and animals, mainly in the respiratory tract, but also, for some species, in the genitourinary tract. Their pathogenic potential seems to be low, but some species are associated with conjunctivitis and keratitis in man or animals. They are mostly bacteria with fastidious growth requirements and limited biochemical activities. They appear to be closely related to the species Neisseria (or Moraxella or Branhamella) catarrhalis, ovis, and caviae. Evidence of relationship to the other Neisseria species has not been demonstrated. Acinetobacter is a group of soil and water bacteria of wide spread occurrence in the surroundings of man and animals. Their pathogenic potential appears to be low, but they are opportunistic bacteria which are capable of causing infections, mainly in individuals with reduced resistance to infections or as secondary invaders in diseased tissues. Their role as pathogens has frequently been overestimated. They often occur as contaminants of pathological material. Their relationship to Moraxella is dubious, and their taxonomic position in the Neisseriaceae is based mainly on morphological resemblance to Moraxella or to Neisseria. Their growth requirements are simple, and they are characterized by great nutritional and biochemical versatility. The names of the tribe Mimeae and its species have been rejected by the JC of the ICSB, and should no more be used. As used in recent years, they are synonyms of Acinetobacter or Moraxella species.