Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) – the most common bacterial cause of severe pneumonia – frequently colonizes the nasopharynx of children. Although most colonization does not result in disease, the acquisition of a new serotype (variety) of pneumococcus is critical in disease pathogenesis. Carlos G. Grijalva, M.D., MPH, assistant professor of Health Policy, and colleagues now report that a recent influenza or parainfluenza infection facilitates pneumococcal acquisition. Read the full article on Vanderbilt Research News.
