AUTHOR=Ding Hong , Xia Jia-ding , Zheng Xin , Wang Zi-yan , Zhang Kun 

TITLE=Early application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in influenza B virus-related fulminant pneumonia complicated with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infection: a case report

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1549856

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2025.1549856

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Co-infection of the influenza B virus with other bacterial pathogens is a significant contributor to the high pathogenicity and mortality associated with influenza B. The most common bacterial co-infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. In this case report, we describe the clinical symptoms and treatment of a 69-year-old woman who developed fulminant pneumonia secondary to S. aureus infection following initial influenza B virus infection. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in treating fatal pneumonia caused by co-infection with methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and influenza B virus. We conclude that this case provides valuable insights into the severe complications of influenza co-infections and underscores the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the management of fulminant pneumonia.