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Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice
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Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice

Published on: April 14, 2011

Pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza: a deadly combination

Keith P Klugman1, Yu-Wen Chien, Shabir A Madhi

  • 1Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. kklugma@emory.edu

Vaccine
|August 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) significantly reduce pneumonia and influenza hospitalizations in children. Vaccination is crucial for pandemic preparedness, especially against pneumococcal co-infections during viral respiratory illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Pneumococcal co-infection significantly increases morbidity during viral respiratory infections.
  • Pneumonia remains a leading cause of childhood mortality globally.
  • The 1918 influenza pandemic highlights the deadly impact of bacterial co-infections, particularly pneumococcus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) on pneumonia incidence and influenza hospitalizations in children.
  • To evaluate the role of pneumococcal vaccination in pandemic influenza preparedness.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of clinical pneumonia incidence data in the United States before and after PCV introduction.
  • Review of hospitalization data associated with influenza in children.
  • Historical analysis of mortality data from the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Main Results:

  • Introduction of PCV in the US correlated with a 39% decrease in clinical pneumonia incidence among children.
  • PCVs have demonstrated a reduction in influenza-associated hospitalizations in pediatric populations.
  • Bacterial infections, primarily pneumococcus, were the main drivers of mortality during the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Conclusions:

  • Pneumococcal vaccination is highly effective in reducing childhood pneumonia and influenza-related hospitalizations.
  • Widespread pneumococcal vaccination (PCV for children, PPSV for adults) is a critical component of pandemic influenza preparedness.
  • Preventing pneumococcal co-infections is essential for mitigating severe outcomes of viral respiratory infections.

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