Viral potentiation of bacterial superinfection of the respiratory tract

Abstract

Virus infections of the respiratory tract predispose it to bacterial superinfections. Epidemiological studies, clinical evidence of viral-bacterial co-infection and animal models of such interactions suggest a time course of events and several mechanisms by which viral potentiation may occur. It appears that structural and functional disruption of the respiratory mucosal epithelium is a major contributor to the synergistic effects of superinfection.