H1N1 influenza A presenting as bacterial tracheitis

Six cases of bacterial tracheitis (BT) occurring early in the 2009 flu season have been isolated in conjunction with the H1N1 strain of influenza A (H1N1). No previous H1N1 cases have presented as BT in the literature to date. We would like to discuss viral coinfection in BT patients and how this new strain may affect the rate and type of presentation encountered. The life-threatening potential of BT and the pandemic proportion of H1N1 highlight a possibly dangerous combination that should be recognized by the otolaryngology community. In hospitalized patients with presumed BT, consideration should be given to routine H1N1 testing and the addition of antiviral medication when indicated as this entity is further investigated. (C) 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.