Influenza type A virus-mediated adherence of type 1a group B streptococci to mouse tracheal tissue in vivo.

Influenza type A virus-mediated adherence of pathogenic bacteria to the mucosal surface of the respiratory tract may be one of several mechanisms whereby influenza predisposes to bacterial pneumonia. In the present study, we quantified the adherence of intranasally administered type 1a group B streptococci to the tracheal tissue of influenza type A/PR8/34 (HONI) virus-infected and mock-infected mice. Influenza type A/PR8/34 virus infection effected a 120-fold increase in the adherence of type 1a group B streptococci to tracheal tissue relative to that observed in mock-infected mice. Adherence of type 1a group B streptococci to the trachea of influenza type A/PR8/34 virus-infected mice was reduced by more than 90% by prior intranasal instillation of chicken antiserum to influenza type A/PR8/34 virus, whereas virtually no reduction in adherence was noted with normal chicken serum or rabbit antiserum to herpes simplex virus type 2. These findings suggest that adherence of type 1a group B streptococci to the tracheal tissue of influenza type A/PR8/34 virus-infected mice is effected by a viral component(s).