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Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae: living together in a biofilm

Alexandra Tikhomirova1, Stephen P Kidd

  • 1Research Centre for Infectious Disease, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.

Pathogens and Disease
|August 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae and nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) often coexist in biofilms. This review explores their interactions, aiming to define whether their relationship is competitive or cooperative in causing respiratory infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacterial Interactions

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are common nasopharyngeal commensals.
  • Both bacteria can cause upper respiratory tract infections like pneumonia, otitis media, and bronchitis.
  • They are frequently found together in multispecies biofilms within infected tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current knowledge on the cocolonization and co-infection of S. pneumoniae and nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi).
  • To investigate the nature of the interspecies interaction between S. pneumoniae and NTHi in multispecies biofilms.
  • To identify factors influencing the competitive or cooperative relationship between these two bacterial species.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Analysis of studies investigating S. pneumoniae and NTHi interactions in vitro and in vivo.
  • Examination of molecular and ecological factors contributing to biofilm formation and interspecies dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests complex interactions between S. pneumoniae and NTHi in multispecies biofilms.
  • Specific molecular components and environmental factors influencing their relationship have been identified.
  • The precise nature of their interaction (competitive vs. cooperative) remains an active area of investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the interplay between S. pneumoniae and NTHi is crucial for comprehending polymicrobial infections.
  • Further research is needed to definitively characterize their relationship and the governing factors.
  • This knowledge can inform strategies for preventing and treating respiratory tract infections.
Keywords:
Streptococcus pneumoniaebacterial pathogenesisinter-species interactionsmultispecies biofilmsnontypeable Haemophilus influenzaeotitis media

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