Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
A Luciferase-fluorescent Reporter Influenza Virus for Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection
Published on: August 14, 2019
Influenza-associated mortality among children - United States: 2007-2008
Patrick J Peebles1, Rosaline Dhara, Lynnette Brammer
1Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of death in children with influenza. This bacteria was more frequent in older children without high-risk conditions, suggesting a need for targeted treatment considerations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Influenza Epidemiology
Background:
- Pediatric influenza-associated deaths are a nationally notifiable condition since 2004.
- Investigation into bacterial co-infections contributing to mortality is crucial.
- Focus on Staphylococcus aureus and its timing relative to hospital admission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bacterial organisms, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, contributing to pediatric influenza-associated deaths.
- To analyze the timing of Staphylococcus aureus specimen collection in relation to hospital admission.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, descriptive study of reported pediatric influenza-associated deaths during the 2007-2008 influenza season in the United States.
- Systematic collection of data on bacterial cultures from non-sterile sites.
- Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus specimen collection timing.
Main Results:
- 88 pediatric deaths reported during the 2007-2008 season; median age 5 years.
- Staphylococcus aureus identified in 35% of children with available specimens.
- S. aureus more common in older children (median 10 vs 4 years) without high-risk conditions.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus remains the most frequent bacteria isolated in pediatric influenza-associated mortality.
- S. aureus isolates were associated with older children and those lacking high-risk medical conditions.
- Consider influenza co-infections with S. aureus in empirical treatment of severe pediatric respiratory illness.
Background:
Since October 2004, pediatric influenza-associated deaths have been a nationally notifiable condition. To further investigate the bacterial organisms that may have contributed to death, we systematically collected information about bacterial cultures collected at non-sterile sites and about the timing of Staphylococcus aureus specimen collection relative to hospital admission.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective, descriptive study of all reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths in 2007-2008 influenza season in the United States.
Results:
During the 2007-2008 influenza season, 88 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported. The median age was 5 (range 29 days - 17 years); 48% were <5 years of age. The median time from symptom onset to death was 4 days (range 0-64 days). S. aureus was identified at a sterile site or at a non-sterile site in 20 (35%) of the 57 children with specimens collected from these sites; in 17 (85%) of these children, specimens yielding S. aureus were obtained within three days of inpatient admission. These 17 children were older (10 versus 4 years, median; P < 0·05) and less likely to have a high-risk medical condition (P < 0·05) than children with cultures from the designated sites that did not grow S. aureus.
Conclusions:
S. aureus continues to be the most common bacteria isolated from children with influenza-associated mortality. S. aureus isolates were associated with older age and lack of high-risk medical conditions. Healthcare providers should consider influenza co-infections with S. aureus when empirically treating children with influenza and severe respiratory illness.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Influenza
01:51Vaccinations
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence