How Diseases are Seasonal: Viruses for Winter, Bacteria for Summer

A new study has revealed the “seasonal factor” affecting the onset of infectious diseases. It claims that while winter witnesses a spurt in viral infections such as influenza or common cold, summers belong to 'bacterial infections'.

Researchers from Oregon State University have discovered that serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria can go up as much as 17 percent with every 10 degree increase in seasonal temperature.

Hib Vaccine - Types, Dosage Schedule, Contraindications and Side Effects
The Hib vaccine protects children against infections like meningitis and pneumonia that are caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium.

The study suggests that the incidence of some of the illnesses might be up to 46 percent higher in summer than in winter.

"Everyone knows there is a seasonality to some viral infections such as influenza or the common cold, but we're now finding that some of these bacterial infections peak in the heat of summer," said Jessina McGregor, an assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University

"Gram-negative bacteria are a frequent cause of urinary tract, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, as well as more serious things like pneumonia, wound or blood infections," she added.

Tetanus - Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment FAQs
Tetanus (or Lockjaw) is a serious preventable infection that can affect the muscles and nerves and results from contamination of wound. The vaccine against Tetanus can prevent the infection.

The researchers suggest that identifying these seasonal trends can help improve disease diagnosis, prompt treatments and better interventions to prevent the infections.

During the study, the researchers examined infections caused by several gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. cloacae, and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Peptic Ulcer
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general information about Peptic Ulcer

The greatest increases in infection due to higher temperatures were found with P. aeruginosa, a common cause of burn, external ear, urinary tract and lung infections; and A. baumannii, an opportunistic pathogen that can cause death and serious illnesses, particularly in people with compromised immune systems.

The researchers believe P. aeruginosa is an aquatic organism, and infections caused by it could be linked to more people swimming in lakes or pools during the summer.

The Role of Staphylococcal Infection in Sudden Infant Deaths may Have Been Overlooked
Bacterial infection, particularly with Staphylococcus aureus, may have been overlooked as a causative factor in cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

"Bacterial infections in general have been rising for some time, probably due at least in part to increased antibiotic resistance," said McGregor.

"The more we can learn about what is causing them and when they are most likely to occur, the better we can treat or prevent them," she added.

"Regardless of the mechanisms responsible for infections, recognition of the link between the physical environment and the incidences of pathogenic infection could aid in infection prevention interventions or the selection of optimal empirical antimicrobial therapy," the researchers wrote in their report.

The study is published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, a professional journal.

Source-ANI
TAN/L