Postviral Complications: Bacterial Pneumonia.
Secondary bacterial pneumonia after viral respiratory infection remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Susceptibility is mediated by a variety of viral and bacterial factors, and complex interactions with the host immune system. Prevention and treatment strategies are limited to influenza vaccination and antibiotics/antivirals respectively. Novel approaches to identifying the individuals with influenza who are at increased risk for secondary bacterial pneumonias are urgently needed. Given the threat of further pandemics and the heightened prevalence of these viruses, more research into the immunologic mechanisms of this disease is warranted with the hope of discovering new potential therapies.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 37-131, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Jason E
JE
Prasso
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, University of Michigan, 2215 Fuller Road, 111G Pulmonary, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. Electronic address: jcdeng@med.umich.edu.
Jane C
JC
Deng
D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology
Bacterial pneumonia; Influenza; Innate immunity; Interferons; Respiratory viruses