Influenza-induced immune suppression to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is mediated by TLR9.

Bacterial lung infections, particularly with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), increase mortality following influenza infection, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that expression of TLR9, a microbial DNA sensor, is increased in murine lung macrophages, dendritic cells, CD8+ T cells and epithelial cells post-influenza infection. TLR9-/- mice did not show differences in handling influenza nor MRSA infection alone.

Linezolid has unique immunomodulatory effects in post-influenza community acquired MRSA pneumonia.

Introduction: Post influenza pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with mortality rates approaching 60% when bacterial infections are secondary to multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus, in particular community acquired MRSA (cMRSA), has emerged as a leading cause of post influenza pneumonia.

Hypothesis: Linezolid (LZD) prevents acute lung injury in murine model of post influenza bacterial pneumonia.

Soluble recombinant human metapneumovirus G protein is immunogenic but not protective.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) expresses the major surface glycoproteins F and G. We evaluated the protective efficacy of immunization with G. We generated a recombinant form of G ectodomain (GDeltaTM) that was secreted from mammalian cells and purified by affinity chromatography.

The pediatric burden of human coronaviruses evaluated for twenty years.

Background: The epidemiology of human coronaviruses (HCoVs) has not been established using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques in a specimen collection that spans decades.

Methods: We used real-time RT-PCR for 3 HCoVs, HCoV 229E, OC43, and NL63, to test nasal wash specimens that had been obtained from a cohort of children <5 years of age with upper or lower respiratory infection (URI, LRI) who were comprehensively followed during the period from 1977 to 2001. Prospectively collected clinical data and archival samples were analyzed.

Coronavirus infection and hospitalizations for acute respiratory illness in young children.

There is only limited knowledge on the burden of disease due to both new (HCoV-NL63 and HKU-1) and previously discovered coronaviruses (OC43 and 229E) in children. Respiratory specimens and clinical data were prospectively collected in an active, population-based surveillance study over a 2-year period from children aged <5 years hospitalized with acute respiratory symptoms or fever. These samples were retrospectively tested by real-time RT-PCR for HCoV-NL63, HKU1, OC43, and 229E.

Integrin alphavbeta1 promotes infection by human metapneumovirus.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently described paramyxovirus that causes lower respiratory infections in children and adults worldwide. The hMPV fusion (F) protein is a membrane-anchored glycoprotein and major protective antigen. All hMPV F protein sequences determined to date contain an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence, suggesting that F engages RGD-binding integrins to mediate cell entry.

An alphavirus replicon-based human metapneumovirus vaccine is immunogenic and protective in mice and cotton rats.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently discovered paramyxovirus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals worldwide. Here, we developed Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicon particles (VRPs) encoding hMPV fusion (F) or attachment (G) glycoproteins and evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these vaccine candidates in mice and cotton rats. VRPs encoding hMPV F protein, when administered intranasally, induced F-specific virus-neutralizing antibodies in serum and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in secretions at the respiratory mucosa.

Comparison of the MChip to viral culture, reverse transcription-PCR, and the QuickVue influenza A+B test for rapid diagnosis of influenza.

The performance of a diagnostic microarray (the MChip assay) for influenza was compared in a blind study to that of viral culture, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and the QuickVue Influenza A+B test. The patient sample data set was composed of 102 respiratory secretion specimens collected between 29 December 2005 and 2 February 2006 at Scott & White Hospital and Clinic in Temple, Texas. Samples were collected from a wide range of age groups by using direct collection, nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs, or nasopharyngeal aspiration.