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A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
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Streptococcus pneumoniae exposure is associated with human metapneumovirus seroconversion and increased

N J Verkaik1, D T Nguyen, C P de Vogel

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|September 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Frequent exposure to Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants is linked to higher human metapneumovirus (HMPV) seroconversion rates. This bacterial exposure may increase susceptibility to HMPV infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Factors influencing clinical outcomes of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections are not well understood.
  • Investigating the impact of bacterial coinfections on viral respiratory infections is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if exposure to bacterial pathogens influences HMPV infections in children.
  • To analyze the association between nasopharyngeal carriage of specific bacteria and HMPV seroconversion.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 57 children, collecting serum and bacterial colonization data (Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae) from 1.5 to 24 months.
  • Assessed HMPV seroconversion rates and correlated them with bacterial carriage frequency.
  • Evaluated in vitro susceptibility of human bronchial epithelial cells (wd-NHBE) to HMPV after pre-incubation with bacteria.

Main Results:

  • Frequent nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae (≥2 times in the first 2 years) was significantly associated with increased HMPV seroconversion rates by age 2 (93% vs. 59%, p <0.05).
  • Exposure to H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, or S. aureus did not show a similar association.
  • In vitro, pre-incubation of wd-NHBE cells with S. pneumoniae enhanced susceptibility to HMPV infection, unlike other tested bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in early childhood may modulate the host's response to human metapneumovirus.
  • S. pneumoniae exposure can increase susceptibility to HMPV infection, highlighting potential synergistic interactions between bacteria and viruses in respiratory illnesses.

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