Rocking Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu

Abstract

The relation between pneumonia and influenza is regularly addressed in modern music. Epidemiological data obtained during influenza pandemics, as well as during seasonal influenza, illustrate and underscore this association. Even though the number of pneumonia cases are generally under-reported and blood tests show a lack of sensitivity, a clear link between influenza and pneumonia can still be observed. In fact, the majority of mortality during influenza pandemics is due to pneumonia caused by a bacterial superinfection, in most cases Streptococcus pneumoniae. Vaccination is a powerful tool to prevent the development of both influenza and pneumonia in children, as well as in the elderly. Cellular and molecular data show that influenza can lead to changes in the integrity of lung epithelial cells, including desialysation of carbohydrate moieties, which favour attachment and invasion of S. pneumoniae. Further elucidation of these mechanisms could lead to targeted intervention strategies, in which universal influenza vaccines could play a role.