Researchers showed that direct interaction between Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) bacteria and influenza A promoted airborne transmission of the virus in ferrets. The scientists reported that influenza A survived longer in the environment and remained infectious when bound to the bacteria. An antibiotic ointment applied to the nasal passages of flu-infected ferrets selectively reduced levels of S. pneumoniae and other common nasal bacterium in the ferrets and blocked airborne transmission of flu to uninfected animals. Flu transmission was restored when pneumococcus was reintroduced into the ferrets' noses.
