Danger Signals from Influenza Infection Increase Risk of Bacterial Pneumonia

摘要

A new mouse model designed by scientists at the University of Buffalo, State University of New York in Buffalo, N.Y., is helping scientists understand how the influenza A virus (IAV) causes asymptomatic Staphylococcus aureus infection to transition to invasive disease. Mice with S. aureus- colonized nasal cavities experienced disseminated infection only in response to IAV infection, found first author Ryan Reddinger and senior author Anthony Campagnari. The researchers found a combination of viral-induced changes in host physiology, including body temperature and release of ATP, glucose, and norepinephrine, stimulate dispersal of S. aureus even in the absence of viral infection. The results help explain the prevalence of secondary bacterial pneumonia in influenza patients.