Viral and bacterial interactions in the upper respiratory tract

PLoS Pathog. 2013 Jan;9(1):e1003057. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003057. Epub 2013 Jan 10.

Abstract

Respiratory infectious diseases are mainly caused by viruses or bacteria that often interact with one another. Although their presence is a prerequisite for subsequent infections, viruses and bacteria may be present in the nasopharynx without causing any respiratory symptoms. The upper respiratory tract hosts a vast range of commensals and potential pathogenic bacteria, which form a complex microbial community. This community is assumed to be constantly subject to synergistic and competitive interspecies interactions. Disturbances in the equilibrium, for instance due to the acquisition of new bacteria or viruses, may lead to overgrowth and invasion. A better understanding of the dynamics between commensals and pathogens in the upper respiratory tract may provide better insight into the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases. Here we review the current knowledge regarding specific bacterial-bacterial and viral-bacterial interactions that occur in the upper respiratory niche, and discuss mechanisms by which these interactions might be mediated. Finally, we propose a theoretical model to summarize and illustrate these mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibiosis / physiology*
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Nasopharynx / microbiology*
  • Respiratory System / microbiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / immunology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology*
  • Symbiosis / physiology*
  • Virus Diseases / immunology
  • Virus Diseases / microbiology*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research through NWO-VENI Grant 91610121 and ZonMW Grant 91209010. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.