In summary, we established a model to study influenza:S. pyogenes
super-infections of the lower respiratory tract. The model
was used to compare the contribution of the two types of influenza
vaccines currently in use clinically, IIV and LAIV, toward prevention
of super-infections. These vaccines did not differ in their ability
to provide significant, albeit incomplete protection against superinfection.
The results presented also demonstrate that vaccination
against influenza virus cannot be considered as the sole preventative
method for limiting super-infections, even when morbidity
associated with influenza virus alone is severely limited by vaccination.
Future studies will determine the host:pathogen interactions
that contribute to influenza virus:S. pyogenes super-infections, as
well as the contribution of immunity against S. pyogenes toward
limiting secondary complications