Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Disguise: contribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections to morbidity and mortality during times of pandemics

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an encapsulated bacterium and the major cause of community acquired pneumoniae (CAP) in children and elderly. CAP has a clear seasonal pattern, partly overlapping with the influenza season 1 . Not only is there an epidemiological association between S. pneumoniae and influenza virus infections, but there are also pathophysiological interactions, including viral induced damage to respiratory epithelia and augmentation of cytokine responses 2,3 . The close association between S. pneumoniae and influenza during a regular influenza season could have an even higher impact during times of pandemics.