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Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice
10:47

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

Published on: April 14, 2011

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The complex link between influenza and severe sepsis

Diana F Florescu1, Andre C Kalil1

  • 1Infectious Diseases Division; Internal Medicine Department; University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha, NE USA.

Virulence
|November 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Influenza viruses are an increasing cause of severe sepsis globally, leading to more hospitalizations. This update reviews the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of influenza-related severe sepsis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Virology

Background:

  • Severe sepsis is often linked to bacterial infections, but viral causes are rising.
  • Influenza viruses are increasingly implicated in severe sepsis outbreaks and pandemics.
  • Patients present with sepsis directly from influenza or secondary bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated overview of the pathophysiology of severe sepsis.
  • To discuss the clinical manifestations of severe sepsis.
  • To highlight the connection between influenza virus infections and severe sepsis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on influenza and sepsis.
  • Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms linking influenza to sepsis.
  • Clinical case study review.

Main Results:

  • Influenza is a significant and growing cause of severe sepsis worldwide.
  • Both direct viral sepsis and secondary bacterial infections post-influenza contribute to severe sepsis.
  • Increased hospital admissions for influenza-associated severe sepsis are observed.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza represents a critical emerging threat for severe sepsis.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology is key to managing influenza-induced sepsis.
  • Clinical vigilance for severe sepsis in influenza patients is essential.
Keywords:
infectioninfluenzasepsissevere sepsisviral

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