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Interactions between viruses and bacteria in patients with chronic bronchitis
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 1, 1976
Summary
Viral infections in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients increase the risk of bacterial colonization. Respiratory viruses like influenza may predispose individuals to infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are susceptible to respiratory infections.
- Viral infections can alter the respiratory tract's environment, potentially enabling bacterial invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if viral respiratory infections predispose COPD patients to bacterial colonization or infection.
- To determine the association between specific viral and bacterial pathogens in COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- A seven-year observational study involving 120 COPD patients and 30 controls.
- Analysis of observed versus expected associations between viral and bacterial pathogens.
- Monitoring antibody titers for Haemophilus influenzae and correlating with preceding viral infections.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae (ratio 2.43, P=0.037).
- A trend for increased association was observed between influenza virus and Haemophilus influenzae (ratio 2.06, P=0.056).
- Viral infections were linked to a higher incidence of antibody rises against H. influenzae than expected (ratio 2.40, P=0.08).
Conclusions:
- Viral respiratory infections in COPD patients are associated with increased colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria.
- These viral infections may enhance susceptibility to infections caused by bacteria like H. influenzae.