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Measles pneumonia. Bacterial suprainfection as a complicating factor
JAMA
|April 28, 1975
Summary
Measles can lead to pneumonia in young adults, with bacterial infections often developing. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y was identified as a significant cause of these measles-related lung infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Measles, a viral illness, can have serious complications in adults.
- Pneumonia is a known complication of measles, but bacterial superinfections are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and causative agents of bacterial superinfections in adults with measles-associated pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 32 healthy young men with measles.
- Analysis of clinical signs, radiographic evidence, and transtracheal aspirate cultures for bacterial pathogens.
Main Results:
- 50% of patients developed pneumonia.
- Bacterial superinfection was confirmed in 63% of pneumonia cases.
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y was the most frequent pathogen identified.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial superinfection is common in adult measles pneumonia.
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y is a potential lower respiratory tract pathogen in this context.