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[Virus-bacteria co-infections]
1Service d'urgence et de réanimation pédiatrique, hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Influenza is the best known model of bacterial-viral co-infection. Epidemics of influenza result in an increased hospital admission rate for bacterial pneumonia due to pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus. Similarly, an increased incidence of meningococcal diseases, particularly severe forms, follows the influenza outbreaks, with a two week delay. Though the precise mechanism is not known, the depression of host's phagocytes bactericidal activity by the influenza virus seems to be involved. An increased incidence of invasive group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infections, particularly necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome, is also observed in relation with chickenpox. The reason for this association is unclear and appears not to be limited to the disruption of the cutaneous barrier which leads to the cutaneous infections in this disease. Bacterial-viral co-infection is not a justification for a systematic antibiotic prescription in viral diseases. Severe bacterial disease will be best prevented through viral immunization, thus encouraging the development of viral vaccines and immunization campaigns.
Insights
Viral infections like influenza and chickenpox can increase the risk of severe bacterial co-infections. Immunization against viruses is key to preventing these dangerous bacterial complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Context:
- Influenza virus epidemics are linked to increased bacterial pneumonia and meningococcal disease.
- Chickenpox outbreaks correlate with invasive group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections.
Purpose:
- To explore the phenomenon of bacterial-viral co-infections and their implications.
- To understand the mechanisms and associations between viral and bacterial infections.
Summary:
- Influenza virus infections impair host phagocyte function, predisposing to bacterial pneumonia (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus) and meningococcal disease.
- Chickenpox is associated with severe streptococcal infections like necrotizing fasciitis, potentially beyond simple skin barrier disruption.
Impact:
- Bacterial-viral co-infections highlight the need for viral prevention strategies.
- Viral immunization is crucial for preventing severe secondary bacterial infections, rather than routine antibiotic use during viral illnesses.