Community-Acquired Pneumonia Due to Pandemic A(H1N1)2009 Influenzavirus and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Co-Infection

Authors: Ronan J. Murray, James O. Robinson, Jodi N. White, Frank Hughes, Geoffrey W. Coombs, Julie C. Pearson, Hui-Leen Tan, Glenys Chidlow, Simon Williams, Keryn J. Christiansen, David W. Smith

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008705

Abstract Summary

Study identifies community-acquired MRSA as a serious co-infection risk in H1N1 influenza patients. Among 252 hospitalized cases, researchers found 5 patients with dual infection, including 2 fatalities. Notably, three different MRSA strains were involved, with only one carrying the PVL toxin—challenging assumptions about virulence factors. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for resistant bacterial co-infections in flu patients.

Why Brain? 🧠

H1N1 flu patients can develop life-threatening pneumonia from drug-resistant staph co-infection. Clinicians should consider MRSA when treating severe influenza cases, as early detection is critical.

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