Researchers tested whether gut microbes affect who gets a second bacterial infection after a respiratory virus. They used segmented filamentous bacteria, called SFB, in mice that were infected with influenza A virus.
After the flu, the mice were exposed to common lung bacteria that can cause pneumonia. Mice with SFB had strong protection and were less likely to die from these secondary infections. The researchers found that SFB changed how lung immune cells behaved so the cells kept fighting bacteria after influenza. The study suggests that the mix of bacteria in the gut can change who is vulnerable to severe flu complications.
Difficult words
- microbe — Very small living organism, for example bacteria.microbes
- gut — Part of the body that holds digestive microbes.
- pneumonia — A lung illness that can cause breathing problems.
- immune — Related to the body's way of fighting infection.
- protection — Something that keeps a person or animal safe.
- vulnerable — At risk of harm or severe disease.
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Discussion questions
- Do you think the mix of gut bacteria can change who gets severe flu complications? Why?
- Have you or someone you know had the flu complicated by pneumonia or another infection? What happened?
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