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Influenza vaccines to control influenza-associated bacterial infection: where do we stand?

Ioanna Christopoulou1, Kenny Roose, Lorena Itatí Ibañez

  • 1VIB Inflammation Research Center, Technologiepark 927, Ghent, Belgium.

Expert Review of Vaccines
|September 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial co-infections significantly worsen influenza illness. This review explores how influenza facilitates secondary bacterial infections and discusses the protective effects of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines against these complications.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Influenza viruses, particularly Influenza A, are significant public health threats due to pandemic potential.
  • Bacterial co-infections are recognized as a major contributor to severe outcomes and mortality during influenza epidemics.
  • Understanding the interplay between viral and bacterial pathogens is crucial for effective disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical evidence linking bacterial co-infections to exacerbated influenza disease.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which influenza infections predispose to secondary bacterial infections.
  • To evaluate the evidence for cross-protective effects between influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical studies and immunological research.
  • Analysis of mechanisms underlying influenza-induced susceptibility to bacterial pathogens.
  • Synthesis of data on the efficacy of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in preventing co-infections.

Main Results:

  • Clinical data strongly support bacterial co-infection as a risk factor for severe influenza.
  • Influenza infection creates opportunities for secondary bacterial pathogen replication through diverse mechanisms.
  • Evidence suggests influenza vaccination can protect against bacterial infections, and pneumococcal vaccines against influenza-associated complications.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial co-infections are a critical factor in influenza severity and mortality.
  • Influenza vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines offer mutual protective benefits against co-infections.
  • Future influenza vaccine development should consider protection against secondary bacterial infections.
Keywords:
S. pneumoniaeinfluenza viruspandemicsecondary bacterial infection

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