Host Physiologic Changes Induced by Influenza A Virus Lead to Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Dispersion and Transition from Asymptomatic Colonization to Invasive Disease.

In this study, we have determined that host physiologic changes related to influenza A virus infection causes S. aureus to disperse from a biofilm state. Additionally, we report that these same host physiologic changes promote S. aureus dissemination from the nasal tissue to the lungs in an animal model. Furthermore, this study identifies important aspects involved in the transition of S. aureus from asymptomatic colonization to pneumonia.