Lethal synergy between SARS-CoV-2 and Streptococcus pneumoniae in hACE2 mice and protective efficacy of vaccination.

ABSTRACT: Secondary infections are frequent complications of viral respiratory infections, but the potential consequence of SARS-CoV-2 coinfection with common pulmonary pathogens is poorly understood. We report that coinfection of human ACE2-transgenic mice with sublethal doses of SARS-CoV-2 and Streptococcus pneumoniae results in synergistic lung inflammation and lethality. Mortality was observed regardless of whether SARS-CoV-2 challenge occurred before or after establishment of sublethal pneumococcal infection. Increased bacterial levels following coinfection were associated with alveolar macrophage depletion, and treatment with murine GM-CSF reduced numbers of lung bacteria and pathology and partially protected from death. However, therapeutic targeting of IFNs, an approach that is effective aga

SUBMITTER: Barman TK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9220949 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature