‘Partners in Crime’: Viral and Bacterial Co-infections
Viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Frequently, viruses and bacteria can co-infect the same host, resulting in heightened pathology and severity of illness compared to single infections. Physical damage to respiratory cells as a result of viral infection may lead to opportunistic adherence of bacteria. Enhanced bacterial adherence by specific mechanisms has been documented for respiratory cells infected with influenza A virus, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2021
