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Pneumonia and pleural effusion. Association with influenza A virus and Staphylococcus aureus
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|September 1, 1976
Insights
Severe pneumonia in an infant was linked to Staphylococcus aureus and influenza A virus coinfection. Influenza A virus was isolated from pleural fluid, a first for this type of infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pneumonia is a common cause of severe illness in infants.
- Pleural effusions can complicate severe pneumonia, requiring intervention.
- Coinfections with bacteria and viruses can occur in pediatric respiratory infections.
Observation:
- An 8-month-old infant presented with severe pneumonia and significant pleural effusions.
- Diagnostic cultures of pleural fluid were obtained.
Findings:
- Concurrent isolation of Staphylococcus aureus and influenza A virus from the infant's pleural fluid.
- This represents the first reported instance of isolating an influenza virus from pleural effusions in a human case.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for influenza A virus to cause or contribute to pleural effusions.
- Suggests the importance of considering viral etiologies, including influenza, in pediatric pleural effusions.
- Underscores the complexity of managing severe pediatric pneumonia with concurrent bacterial and viral pathogens.
Abstract:
An 8-month-old infant with severe pneumonia and massive pleural effusions was found to have concurrent infections due to Staphylococcus aureus and influenza A virus. This was proved by the isolation of both agents from the pleural fluid. We believe this is the first case of isolation of an influenza virus from pleural effusions.