Evaluation of restriction endonuclease analysis as an epidemiologic typing system for Branhamella catarrhalis

Restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) was evaluated as an epidemiologic typing tool to distinguish Branhamella catarrhalis strains. Fourteen beta-lactamase-producing strains were collected over a 16-month period at a hospital where a nosocomial outbreak of this organism was previously documented by REA. REA produced 12 distinct patterns which correlated with epidemiologic data. Chromosomal REA appears to be a useful technique for distinguishing B. catarrhalis strains.