Researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), along with colleagues at the University of Edinburgh and the University Medical Center Utrecht have looked at the impact of the natural microbial flora or microbiota in the nose and viral co-infection on pneumococcal acquisition in healthy adults.
Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus is the main bacterial pathogen involved in pneumonia, a respiratory tract infection and major global heath problem, accounting for more deaths in children under the age of 5 than any other infection. In a paper published today in the journal Nature Communications the team, using the unique Experimental Human Pneumococcal Challenge model developed at LSTM, studied the relationship between the microorganisms present in the nose, viral co-infection using live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV)and pneumococcal carriage. Using molecular techniques, the team discovered that the equilibrium between the microbes in the nose and the host has an impact on pneumococcal acquisition and density, in particular when combined with a viral co-infection. The microbial flora also appeared to have an effect on replication of the virus itself.
LSTM's professor Daniela Ferreira, co-senior author on the paper said, "We knew relatively little about the relationship between viral infections and the microbiota. Our model helped us to establish a link between baseline microbiota and colonisation with the bacteria which causes pneumonia and shows the way that it is apparently altered with the introduction of a viral pathogen."
Utilizing the model developed at LSTM the team were able to test this by safely inoculating live bacteria in combination with a live virus in the form of the readily available nasal vaccine for influenza.
Professor Debby Bogaert of the University of Edinburgh is also co-senior author on the paper. She said, "using this sophisticated human challenge model, we were for the first time able to identify that different constellations of microbes in the nose are associated with more or less inflammation, viral replication and pneumococcal carriage receptiveness".
Especially, identification of specific microbiota constellations which appear to control viral and bacterial acquisition, and mediate inflammation and infection, might help the design of new preventive or therapeutic strategies for respiratory infections in the future.
Source: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Navigating the Confluence of Respiratory Pathogens: Preparing for the Winter Triple Threat
September 30th 2023Medical investigators are concerned about a triple threat this winter with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Vaccination is crucial, but distribution challenges remain. Wearing masks, hand hygiene, and ventilation is important to prevent infections. Hospitals need comprehensive plans to respond efficiently.
Low Vaccination Concerns Highlight Need for Fall and Winter 2023 Vaccination Campaigns
September 28th 2023Cases of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza are expected to rise this fall and winter season; yet, the number of people who plan on getting the vaccines for each of the infections remains low, according to the NFID announcement today.
Evolving Symptomatology: Respiratory Viruses in the Era of COVID-19 Variants
September 27th 2023As COVID-19 restrictions eased up, other respiratory viruses began circulating alongside SARS-CoV-2. It's crucial to identify cases and understand the symptoms of these infections to track the evolution of the virus and what health care workers should look out for.
Poll: What Minimum Educational Requirement Should Infection Preventionists Have?
September 25th 2023Many infection preventionists (IPs) disagree on the minimum requirement to have the IP position. Let Infection Control Today know your opinion. Answer this poll, and send your thoughts to Senior Editor Tori Whitacre Martonicz at tmartonicz@mjhlifesciences.com.
How to Prepare For Possible “Tripledemic” of RSV, Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2
September 25th 2023The interaction between the respiratory viruses SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, poses ongoing challenges. Personal protective measures, testing, and vaccination are critical components of our strategy to mitigate the impact of these viruses.
2 Clarke Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512