Flu infection may weaken tuberculosis defenses by disrupting key immune pathways

Article excerpt

Imperial College London researchers have discovered a mechanism explaining why flu infections can leave people vulnerable to tuberculosis: the influenza virus disrupts key immune pathways that normally defend against TB. The finding suggests a counterintuitive strategy, seasonal flu vaccines could help prevent tuberculosis in high-prevalence regions where people face elevated risk. This discovery opens a potential new avenue for TB control by addressing a vulnerability created by concurrent respiratory infections.