Coinfection and secondary infection of seasonal influenza virus with other pathogens: a review

Abstract:

Human influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus. Among the four types (A, B, C, and D) of influenza virus, influenza A and B viruses are the common pathogens causing human influenza. The patients with influenza virus infections mainly have respiratory syndromes and severe cases usually develop into pneumonia. In addition, the severe cases and mortality will increase in the case of coinfection or secondary infection of influenza virus with other pathogens (other viruses, bacteria, Mycoplasma, etc.). There has been an increasing trend of coinfections caused by influenza virus together with other pathogens. In this review, we briefly described the research progress in coinfections and secondary infections of influenza A or B virus with other pathogens, aiming to support the diagnosis and treatment of the complicated infections.