Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Viral coinfections in children with invasive pneumococcal disease

Benyachalee Techasaensiri1, Chonnamet Techasaensiri, Asuncion Mejías

  • 1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 7, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Viral coinfections are common in children with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). While not significantly altering most clinical outcomes, viral coinfections may increase PICU admissions and mortality risk in children with IPD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Respiratory viruses are linked to the seasonality of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).
  • The specific impact of viral coinfections on IPD clinical presentation and outcomes remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric IPD patients with and without viral coinfections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric IPD cases from July 2005 to June 2008.
  • Viral studies included direct fluorescent antibody staining and culture.
  • Patients categorized into groups based on viral study results: positive, negative, or no study performed.

Main Results:

  • Of 129 IPD patients, 63% had viral studies performed, with 34% testing positive.
  • Influenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and RSV were the most frequent coinfecting viruses.
  • Adenovirus coinfection was associated with higher Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission rates; viral coinfections were noted in 3 of 6 fatal cases.

Conclusions:

  • Viral coinfections are frequently observed in pediatric IPD cases.
  • Further prospective research using advanced molecular assays (e.g., PCR) is needed to better define the role of viral coinfections in IPD occurrence and outcomes.

More Related Videos

Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice10:47

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

Published on: April 14, 2011

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness12:21

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness

Published on: September 28, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...