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Insights into the interaction between influenza virus and pneumococcus
1Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale St., Memphis, TN 38105-2794, USA. jon.mccullers@stjude.org
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|July 19, 2006
Summary
Influenza virus infections increase susceptibility to bacterial pneumonia, particularly from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing new treatments and vaccines against deadly co-infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Bacterial infections post-influenza contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality.
- Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major concern during influenza pandemics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the mechanisms of interaction between influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To identify targets for prevention and treatment of influenza-bacterial co-infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on influenza-pneumococcus interactions.
- Analysis of host immune response alterations.
- Exploration of viral effects on lung epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Influenza virus alters lung environment, facilitating pneumococcal adherence and invasion.
- Viral damage may expose or up-regulate cellular receptors for bacteria.
- Influenza impacts host immunity, impairing bacterial clearance and amplifying inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae exhibit synergistic interactions.
- Mechanisms involve viral-induced lung damage and immune modulation.
- Further research can guide development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies.